Keen for something warm and soothing to drink during the long winter nights ahead? I think I’ve come up with just the right drink: a hot rye and chamomile toddy.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye has launched in the UK and marks the first new grain bill since the man himself started distilling Old No. 7. 150 years ago. The new bottle (and an attractive one at that) is also only the second offering in the brand’s Single Barrel collection. Yeah, this is kind of a big deal.
So what do I do? Dump some in my tea before going to bed. Thing is though, it worked wonderfully.
At 94 proof, Rye is robust but mellow, full flavoured but smooth – with a characterful grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% barley. That’s a blend certainly worthy of a sip or more on its own. And to be sure since getting my hands on a bottle, I’ve very much enjoyed a few neat tipples of it do indeed intend to do so as the festive season sets in.
But winding down to hit the sack a few night’s ago, I pondered if I’d prefer a mug of chamomile tea to help me nod off or a tumbler of Rye for some pre-sleep contemplation. I concluded there was no need to chose and mixed one with the other. Quite to my surprise, the combo was a winner – way better than I thought it would be. The chamomile brought out a new depth of flavour, amping up the vanilla.
Subsequent versions I’ve made now have a squeeze of lemon, which I reckon makes it a hot toddy. I suppose any rye whiskey could be used in my simple recipe, but I believe you’ll be most pleased with the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel (whether you’re mixing it this or another cocktail or enjoying it on its own).
HOT RYE AND CHAMOMILE TODDY
Ingredients
- Bag of chamomile tea;
- Rye whiskey to taste (I used Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye);
- Wedge of lemon.
Method
Method shmethod. Make your self a cup of tea. Pour in a shot rye. Squirt some lemon in and give it a stir. I suppose you could add some honey or another sort of sweetener but I reckon it’s sweet enough on its own (and doesn’t really need much lemon to be honest).
Serve
Serve hot in a mug or tumbler. Relax.
Read more tikichris recipes. For more info about Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye, go to jackdaniels.co.uk.
