Winter Hot Toddies

Beattie’s farm-crafted potato vodka

Irish Coffee

Hot Mulled Wine

The Spice & Tea Exchange’s Mulling Spice Kit

Cherry Bounce

Throughout ages past and across all cultures, “go fetch the medicine” has been a common call to bring on some mysterious liquid brew to soothe whatever may ail the body, mind and soul. Perhaps when you were a small child, your mother, aunt or grandmother treated the aches and discomforts of your winter colds, sore throats and fevers with their own special concoctions. And our centuries-old High Country traditions have always held such medicinal treatments as both common, reliable and warmly welcomed.

You may recall that this potion was always hot to the tongue, had a sharp sting to the back of the throat and—almost magically—seemed to help quiet your symptoms, comfort your ills and lull you into a cozy slumber. And it was often called a hot toddy. The origin of the term dates back at least to 18th century India and a hot drink called “toddy” that was made of fermented palm tree sap combined with sugar and spices. Historically, whether as a remedy for winter’s ills or simply to put the worries of the day behind, this drink was frequently relied upon to help relieve one’s troubles while easing the body and mind into a restful respite.

The recipe for these magic potions was sometimes a well-guarded family secret passed down from generation to generation. It usually combined special healing herbs, honey or some other sweetener (to make it more palatable) and, of course, a decided dose of alcoholic libation such as whiskey or brandy. These homemade remedies were then heated and served as hot as a person could tolerate. Long before modern medicines arrived on the scene, some form of this exotic elixir proved to be at least mod-

Winter Hot Toddies By Steve York

erately effective in treating ills, wounds and even post-surgical infections. Even centuries of ancient folk lore about witches and cryptic healers are ripe with recipes to cure the sick, woo a lover, curse an enemy, win the throne or win a battle. Common to many of these recipes was a boiling caldron along with some obscure ingredients plus various blends of fermented fruits, berries, grains, herbs and the obligatory mystical incantation. Of course, those formulas were pretty strange, if not downright scary, and most likely much less tasty than your great grandmother’s nurturing stove-top brew.

But the healing and metaphysical arts certainly weren’t the only use for stirring up these potent potables. There was also the warming of spirits and enlivening of festivities that surely enticed folk to prepare and enjoy hot toddies throughout history—especially on cold winter nights and as a warm bedtime sleep aid.

Here in the mountains of western North Carolina we’ve always had at least two compelling components to inspire the mixing up of hot toddies: cold winter nights and the long-practiced and revered agricultural art of fermenting spirited libations. Top on that libations list was, and still is, mountain moonshine. Hard apple cider may come in second, followed by various wild berry-based spirits.

In more recent years, the explosive growth of our viticulture industry has dotted our mountain slopes with sprawling grape vineyards and exceptional upscale wineries, all contributing to the creative concoction of many hot mulled wine recipes. Our four closest AVA rated wineries—Linville Falls, Banner Elk, Grandfather Mountain and, next door in Tennessee, Watauga Lake—offer a wide selection of wines plus occasional hard ciders for your favorite hot toddy blend.

Along with traditional grape wines, area AVA blueberry, blackberry and strawberry wines make for a good base as well as for your favorite sangria. And, of course, the ever-popular fortified “cherry bounce” recipes are always a perfect choice. This legendary George Washington inspired treat—a tradition at Linville Falls Winery—is so wellloved in North Carolina that there’s even an annual Cherry Bounce Festival held in Forest City each June. And, down in Ferguson, North Carolina, hundreds of the Outlander book and TV series fans gather twice a year in full costume for a Fraser’s Ridge Homecoming celebration where their officially designated cherry bounce beverage receives an honorary toasting.

Many mulled wine and liquor-based hot toddy recipes call for a special blend of spices and spirits. But, if you’re not sure where to start, check out either of the two Spice and Tea Exchange locations on Main Street in Blowing Rock or on Main Street in West Jefferson. They specialize in everything tea and spice, including great mixes for mulled wines and other hot toddy drinks.

If vodka is your choice of spirits, Beattie’s Vodka boasts seven vodka cocktails created especially to lend themselves perfectly to your own homemade winter warmers. And don’t forget to check with your favorite restaurants, cafes and pubs to see what they may have on the menu to spark your spirits on our long, cold and frosty winter nights ahead. For some sample recipes to make your own seasonal libations, see CML’s special “Hot Toddy” recipes on page 102.