Winter warmer

On a cold winter night, there is nothing better than a book, a crackling fire and a hot beverage.

The hot toddy is one simple way to warm the body and drive away the winter chills. All you need is a glass or mug of boiling water, a shot of whisky, brandy or rum, a spoon or two of dark sugar, lemon or orange zest and diced ginger or a cinnamon stick. I add a few cloves when using orange zest. It is a beverage that makes one appreciate winter.

Northern countries commonly offer variations of hot beverages. Scandinavians add a shot of vodka or brandy to their sweet mulled wine. Specialized bars at the base of ski slopes in Europe commonly offer heavily fortified hot chocolate for the après ski crowd.

Then, of course, there are the specialized coffees that replace dessert for some. Scurrilous rumours have circulated that Irish coffee was invented in the Buena Vista Bar in San Francisco. In 1952, the bar’s owner, Jack Koeppler, challenged Stanton Delaplane, a travel writer, to re-create the hot, whiskey-infused coffee served at the Shannon airport to transatlantic passengers as a final reminder of their European experience. At that time, many transatlantic flights had a stopover in Shannon to refuel prior to the long overseas leg. Their biggest problem was not the basic ingredients, but getting the cream to float nicely on top. By luck, the mayor of San Francisco happened to be a dairy farmer. He determined that cream from west coast cows had to rest for 48 hours before it was whipped. Since then, this Fisherman’s Wharf landmark serves about 2,000 Irish coffees a day—the Guinness world record.

I would be remiss if I did not give a nod to Robbie Burns and mention a hot beverage that has its origins in medieval Scotland. Posset is a mix of oatmeal, milk, salt, honey and nutmeg that was generously infused with a dram of whiskey. It was a meal in a cup. Variations of a posset were served to children, the sick and the elderly.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
66 Gilead Distillery offers a range of craft spirits to enjoy. In particular, their Duck Island Rum offers wonderful citrus, toffee, and butterscotch flavours that are intensified when introduced to a wintery hot punch.

The Distillery is closed until the end of January, but this rum may still be available at local L.C.B.O. outlets. This classical, charming spirit is priced at $63.95 a bottle.