Yuzu Toddy

by Derek Alexander, Principal Bartender, Longman and Eagle

Mm_yuzutoddy_wht

Recipe:

  • 1 part Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
  • 2 heaping bar spoons of yuzu honey*
  • 3/4 part Laird’s Applejack Brandy
  • 1/2 part yuzu juice
  • 5 parts hot water

Combine all ingredients and serve hot.

*Yuzu honey

  • 1/4 cup yuzu rind**
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 10 tablespoons sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pectin
  • 2 tablespoons yuzu juice

Add water to yuzu rind and bring to a simmer. Mix the sugar and pectin together. Stir into the water and yuzu, pouring in a thin, steady stream while stirring. Bring to a boil. Add the honey and stir until the mixture is thick. Add the yuzu juice. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Keep refrigerated when not in use.

**You may substitute a bottle of citrus tea from an Asian Market for the honey if you can’t source yuzu.

Extra Notes:

I fell in love with this hot toddy on a cold night in Chicago when I first had it at Longman and Eagle where Derek served it to me. Yuzu is a fragrant Japanese citrus fruit that is a cross between an orange and lemon. You can find frozen rinds and yuzu juice usually through an online gourmet Web site.