A Toast to Fall and a Hint of Butterscotch
As the leaves turn and temperatures finally start to dip, there’s nothing quite like the warming embrace of a Hot Toddy. It’s a drink designed to get you through chilly evenings, and if you’re lucky, a night of good Irish storytelling (or a bit of gossip, depending on who’s in your company). And here at The Banshee’s Table, we’re all about celebrating a good story with a drink in hand and a Gluttony Candle burning bright, filling the room with our cozy Butterscotch Bourbon scent.
Today seems like the perfect day to talk and drink whiskey, and that's no lie. So let’s raise a glass to all things toasty and delicious!
An Ode To Our Butterscotch Bourbon Candle
Before we get to the recipe, let’s pay a bit of homage to the drink’s namesake. Bourbon has a special place in the heart of our home—when it’s Derby day in the Murphree household, you’ll find us cheering along with a Mint Julep in hand (more on that closer to race day). Bourbon’s caramel and oaky notes lend themselves beautifully to candles and cocktails alike, and we can’t resist the charm of a Kentucky classic.
But for this cozy fall recipe, we’re giving a twist to tradition and looking to our Irish roots. A Hot Toddy with a splash of fine Irish whiskey adds an extra bit of warmth and magic. So, let’s dive into a bit of Irish whiskey lore before we start sipping.
A Wee Guide to the Emerald Isle's Finest...Or Perhaps Just The Banshee's!
John Powers (Low Cost) – Region: County Dublin– For the practical whiskey lover who doesn’t mind saving a dollar/pound or euro or two, John Powers is an old reliable and a family favorite of my dad's. Established in 1791, this is the whiskey your grandda might’ve kept in the back cupboard “for medicinal purposes,” of course. It's how I joke the Irish know the locals from the tourists. Tourists normally will always ask for a Jameson and the locals will ask for the lesser known Powers. Now you know, so you can't be called a tourist now in the motherland! Powers has a strong profile, a hint of spiciness, and a warm, malty backbone that’ll make any toddy feel like a bear hug on a cold day. A perfect budget-friendly option that still tastes like you splurged—kind of like bringing a nice casserole to a family dinner.
Redbreast (Mid-Range) – Region: County Cork– Redbreast is like the middle child that everyone pretends to ignore, but let’s be honest, it’s often the favorite. I have to say that, give I am the middle child in my clan of seven! This one is a single pot still whiskey, which means it’s crafted in the traditional Irish way, with a mix of malted and unmalted barley. It’s smooth, nutty, with a bit of spice and a lovely, honeyed finish—ideal for a toddy that’ll put some pep in your step. A bit pricier, yes, but think of it as an investment in your autumn cheer.
Midleton (Top Shelf) – Region: County Cork– Now, if you’re feeling particularly fancy, there’s Midleton. This is the kind of whiskey you save for your favorite people, or maybe just yourself if it’s been that kind of week. Midleton is a small-batch blend with notes of vanilla, orchard fruits, and a smoothness that might make you forget it’s still chilly outside. It’s worth every penny, and if you can spare it for a toddy, you might even feel like a lord or lady of the manor (just don’t go throwing the teapot like your one in Downton Abbey). A word to the wise though. For goodness sake don't add it to a Toddy!!! This one is to be sipped and savoured for only the flavors in the bottle and no additions required.
Hot Toddy Recipe: Butterscotch & Bourbon Edition
Ingredients
1 ½ oz of your bourbon or whiskey of choice (don’t be afraid to go Irish!)
1 tbsp honey (or a bit more if the day has been long)
Juice of half a lemon
1 cinnamon stick
A slice of fresh ginger (if you’re feeling spicy)
A small knob of butter (just trust me, it’s cozy magic - Kerrygold Preferred)
Boiling water
Instructions
Prepare the Glass: Pour a splash of boiling water into your mug to warm it up, then dump it out. We’re going for full warmth here, people.
Mix Honey, Lemon Juice, and Spices: Add the honey (or brown sugar simple syrup if you’re not a fan of honey), lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and fresh ginger slice to the mug. Pour in a bit of hot water and let the flavors mingle for a minute or two.
Tip: For the brown sugar syrup, simply dissolve equal parts brown sugar and water over low heat until combined. This adds a lovely, nutty richness to your toddy.
Add More Hot Water: Fill the mug with boiling water, leaving a bit of space for the bourbon or whiskey of choice.
Pour in the Whiskey: Finally, pour in your choice of whiskey, giving everything a gentle stir to bring it all together.
Finish with a Knob of Butter: Stir in a small knob of softened butter, which will create a creamy, comforting texture that brings out the butterscotch notes in our candle’s scent. Garnish with a lemon & clove rind or slice.
Enjoy! Give it a moment to cool, light your Bourbon & Butterscotch candle, and sip slowly to savor each layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Powers practicalist, a Redbreast realist, or a Midleton enthusiast, there’s an Irish whiskey out there to suit your toddy—and your budget. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest things, like a warm drink on a cool evening, are what makes life truly grand. So go on, light your candle, pour your toddy, and toast to the best of fall with a little help from our friends on the Emerald Isle. Forever my home!
And for all the true Irish souls who might find this hot toddy recipe a touch fancy, here’s a nod to tradition. Keep it simple: a splash of boiling water, a spoonful of brown sugar, a lemon slice studded with cloves, and a hearty pour of your favorite Irish whiskey. It’s a remedy that could soothe even the bitterest of Irish winters and, in its humble way, feels like home. There’s something about the simplicity of these ingredients—almost as if they hold a bit of the motherland herself. She’s been looking after me from afar, with her misty hills and crisp autumn air, and perhaps just a touch of magic.
So, whether your toddy is fancy or no-nonsense, here’s to the warmth of good whiskey, the comfort of home, and the memories we carry with every sip around the Banshee's table.
And stay tuned for the Mint Julep in spring, when it’s time to celebrate all things bourbon and the Kentucky Derby.
Try It, Rate It, and Share Your Story!
If you whip up this toddy, give it a go with your favorite Irish whiskey, or add your own twist, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, give the recipe a star rating, and share a bit of Irish warmth with us. Let us know if it took you back home, warmed up a chilly night, or brought a smile to your face. Your feedback and stories make this table a little brighter—so show this recipe some love and let’s raise a virtual glass together! Sláinte!
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