Home Made Hot Toddy Mix - Way better than store bought!

 

Every fall of my childhood my family celebrated the tradition of making home made hot toddy or hot buttered rum mix. I would look forward to it as one of those signals of the beginnings of the holidays.  Since it is super easy even children can do it, and kids love the non alcoholic version either in hot water or hot milk.  Personally to me it tastes like a chia latte. This year I made it again and my children and husband were so excited to get the first cup.  I enjoy it with milk as more of a sweet treat.  The fresh ground spices give it a wonderful aromatic quality that is perfect after spending time out in the cold weather.  I recently looked at the ingredients of store bought hot toddy mix and saw of course high fructose corn syrup plus all sorts of other weird unpronounceable ingredients.  You can certainly use organic ice cream and butter for this.


Hot Buttered Rum Mix

1 lb softened real butter -  do not use fake butter

1 pt. vanilla ice cream softened - the better the brand the better the flavor haagen daz is good
1 lb brown sugar
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon nutmeg ground
1 tablespoon cinnamon ground
1 teaspoon allspice ground

 

 

Fresh Nutmeg and Allspice

 

Whole spices like this last almost forever in the cupboard as apposed to the pre-ground spices you buy which will only have a good flavor for a few months and then you have to throw them out.

 

 

 

grinding the spices in a simple home coffee grinder brings more intense flavor

 

 

 

The Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste.  You can see the flecks of vanilla!

 

 

 

Mix the sugars and butter until light, then add the spices and vanilla until combined well, then add the ice cream.   Keep in an airtight container in the freezer.

 

To use add desired amount (start with a tablespoon and add more if needed) to a cup of boiling water or milk.  Add rum, brandy, or whiskey if desired.