Damon Boelte

The hot toddy is not simply a mixture of hot water and booze. It’s a miracle worker, a doctor, and a life coach in a cup. And although it does seem to do the trick for everything from a sore throat to a cough, it’s just as good when you’re healthy. This version—from Damon Boelte, bar manager at Prime Meats restaurant in Brooklyn—omits the usual honey or sugar and plays up the herbal and spicy notes instead.

Blood oranges are more tart than juicing or navel oranges; to substitute one of those types, cut back on the honey syrup.

Choose an unaged aquavit like Aalborg.

We use sparkling rosé wine here mostly for its color. Any decent bubbly will work as a substitute.

Make sure to use plain, unflavored rooibos tea, which will complement the other punch ingredients.

This drink is just as refreshing when made with gin, vodka, or rum. To watch a video of Andrew Knowlton making this classic cocktail, click here.