How to Make the Perfect Kentucky-fied Hot Toddy

With the forecast the way it is looking, we should all plan to be stuck inside of our homes for at least a couple of days. The extremely low temperatures next week will keep the snow from melting for a little while.

Road crews will be out doing their best, but out of caution, businesses are already postponing events and posting early closings, so everyone is stocking up and preparing. When kids go home from school today, they will have everything they need for lessons next week. There haven't been any official announcements so far, but I am going to predict they'll be out for longer than any of us parents would like.

This morning on the show, we talked about winter storm essentials. Several moms have chimed in on our Facebook poll that they'll be just fine as long as they have some wine, Fireball, or Bailey's to deal with slap-happy kids suffering from cabin fever.

Get our free mobile app

I am more of a social drinker here and there, but when I make an adult beverage at home, you can bet money there is bourbon in it. I AM a true blue Kentucky gal after all! One of my favorite cocktail recipes involves multiple Bluegrass state staples and is PERFECT for cold weather. An Ale-8 Bourbon Hot Toddy.

I actually saw this official recipe shared the other day:

Ale-8 Bourbon Hot Toddy Ingredients

• 4 oz. Ale-8-One® (just boiling)
• 1 black tea bag
• 2 oz. Maker's Mark® bourbon
• .5 oz. Aperol®
• .75 oz. honey
• 1 cinnamon stick (garnish)
• 1 Manicured lemon peel (garnish)

Ale-8 Bourbon Hot Toddy Instructions

1. Fill a coffee mug with boiling water and set it aside. (This helps warm the mug up.)
2. Using a small pot or saucepan, bring 4 oz of Ale-8-One to a rapid boil.
3. Discard the hot water and replace it with freshly boiled Ale-8-One.
4. Add a black tea bag to the mug and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
5. Discard the tea bag and add Maker's Mark, Aperol, and honey.
6. Stir gently until the honey is dissolved.
7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and manicured lemon peel to the mug. 

I make mine a little differently. I use an Apple Cinnamon tea bag and Green River Whiskey, of course! Sometimes I add a bourbon-soaked cherry or two, and sometimes I use Mike's hot honey instead of regular honey for a little kick. This is a drink you can get creative with.

Ale-8-One also has other flavors of the Kentucky Proud soda, like Cherry, Blackberry, and Orange. Some of them are also available in zero sugar or caffeine-free. For more cocktail, mocktail, and even food recipes, you can visit ale8one.com

Recipe Source: Ale-8-One