Cocktail: Smoky Tea Toddy

Sunday, when the forecast called for "wintry mix," we decided to go out for lunch. By the time we returned home--coated in a cold sheet of wet ice--we were really for a warm stiff one. So I concocted this winter warmer to thaw us out.

And today we're in the middle of ANOTHER winter storm. I know we D.C.ers have no right to complain when you compare our winter weather to the bitter windy cold of Chicago or the much heftier snowfalls of the Northeast. Yet, this winter has been our most trying since "Snowmageddon." I'm really ready for spring and I know I'm not alone.

So here's a warm winter cocktail to help make today a little easier. It's flavored with tea and honey and gets a little smoke from Laphroaig Scotch, currently my favorite way to make a cocktail a little smoky (well, that and a good mezcal).

Cocktail: Smoky Tea Toddy

Makes 2

1 cup water
1 tbsp. honey
1 Earl Grey tea bag
4 dashes Angostura bitters
2 oz. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Scotch
2 oz. bourbon

1. Combine the water and honey in a microwave-safe glass (like a 1-cup Pyrex glass measuring cup). Microwave on high 2-3 minutes until boiling. Add the teabag and steep for 4 minutes. Remove the tea bag and stir to combine.

2. Set out two glasses (you can use ceramic or tempered glass mugs). Combine 2 dashes bitters, 1 oz. Laphroaig Scotch and 1 oz. bourbon in each glass. Add half the hot tea mixture to each glass and stir to combine. Serve warm.