Saturday: Gin Hot Toddy When it comes to winter drinking, gin is not my first thought - its crisp botanicals seem suited for more temperate times. One sip of this delicious gin toddy went a long way towards changing my mind. Here, gin really shines in a toddy made with orange and a whole host of spices.

The Hot Gin Toddy
serves 1

1 teaspoon honey
5 whole cloves
1 whole anise star
1 whole cardamom pod
1 1/2 oz London dry gin (I used Broker's)
1/2 cup boiling water
Slice of orange

Add honey and spices to the bottom of a heat-proof snifter or mug. Pour in the water, add the gin, and squeeze the orange and drop it into the glass. Stir until the honey is melted.

Sunday: Whiskey Vanilla Hot Toddy
For the last day of the toddy project, I picked one of my very favorites: vanilla. I love the way vanilla plays in drinks. It hangs back until the last minute, and then slowly sneaks up on your palate, filling it with delicious warmth. Like spices, vanilla loves brown liquors, so spices, honey, vanilla, and whiskey all together are a perfect way to banish the winter blahs.

Whiskey Vanilla Hot Toddy
serves 1

1 teaspoon honey
5 whole cloves
1 whole anise star
1 cinnamon stick
1 1/2 rye whiskey
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 slice lemon
1/2 cup boiling water

Add the honey and spices to a heat-proof snifter or mug. Pour in the water, add the gin, and squeeze the lemon and drop it into the glass. Stir until the honey is melted.