Drinks
Maple Ginger Toddy
Ingredients
- - 500ml (2 cups) water
- - 30g (1 inch piece) fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- - 60ml (4 tbsp) pure maple syrup
- - 30ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
- - 2 whole cloves
- - 1 cinnamon stick
- - Lemon slices, to garnish
Method
- Combine the water, sliced ginger, cloves and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the spices, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the maple syrup and lemon juice and warm through for 1-2 minutes, without letting it boil.
- Strain the toddy through a fine sieve into mugs to remove the ginger and whole spices.
- Garnish each mug with a fresh lemon slice and serve hot.
Introduction: Warm maple-sweetened drinks have long accompanied Canadian winter gatherings, from sugar shack outings during maple season to fireside evenings; this ginger-spiced toddy showcases pure maple syrup as a warming sweetener in place of refined sugar.
Cultural Background: Warm maple-sweetened drinks have long accompanied Canadian winter gatherings, from sugar shack outings during maple season to fireside evenings; this ginger-spiced toddy showcases pure maple syrup as a warming sweetener in place of refined sugar.
Tips: Simmer gently rather than boiling hard once the maple syrup and lemon juice are added, as prolonged high heat can dull the fresh ginger flavour. Adjust maple syrup to taste for a sweeter or more tart drink.
Variations: Add a shot of dark rum or Canadian whisky for an adult version. A few fresh mint leaves added while straining lend a cooling contrast to the warming spices. Naturally vegan as written.
Storage: Best made fresh and served immediately; leftover strained toddy can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, being careful not to boil.
Nutrition: Per serving: approx. 70 kcal, 0g protein, 18g carbohydrate, 0g fat, 0g fibre, 5mg sodium.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this ahead for a crowd?
A: Yes, prepare the infused base in a large pot, strain, and keep warm in a slow cooker or on very low heat for serving over an evening.
Q: Is this drink alcoholic?
A: As written it is non-alcoholic; see Variations for an adult version with added spirit.