Meyer Lemon Hot Toddies with a Kick

Winter on the ranch means we leave the house in the mornings with extra tools. Since the animals' water troughs often freeze overnight in low temps, we often bundle up and set out with axes and shovels to break up the solid ice blocks that form on the top of each trough. We feed the cattle on the hill from the feed truck, and the snow makes for a beautiful sight, but it can be tough to navigate the frozen ground.

At the end of a long snowy day, I want nothing more than to curl up in front of our woodstove with a hot toddy and watch the icicles forming on the roof drop in the glow of the house lights. I make my toddies using a honey-based simple syrup, the juice of a whole lemon, a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, and our Five Marys bourbon.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup good-quality honey

• 1/4 cup bourbon

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon or regular lemon juice (from 1 juicy large lemon or 2 smaller lemons)

• Pinch of cayenne

• 2 thin lemon slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Makes 2 toddies

In a small saucepan, combine the water and honey to taste and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and cayenne to taste. Whisk to distribute the cayenne evenly. Transfer to two 12-ounce mugs, top each with a lemon slice, and enjoy immediately.