Hot Toddy...Good for What Ails You

Hope everyone is staying warm out there! Winter came hard and fast to the Midwest and we are now dealing with lovely below zero temps that are keeping our half foot of snow around. It's so cold, our dog doesn't even want to be outside! (Granted, she is a 5 month puppy, but very quickly discovered her love for running in the snow before these temps hit.)

Anyway, it is time to keep yourself warm! There are some good boozy options out there, like Irish Coffee (mmmm), spiked cider, hot buttered rum, spike cocoa, mulled wine... maybe we are due for a hot drinks post? But today I am rocking the good ol' Hot Toddy.

Traditionally a toddy (or tārī) is an Indian (Hindi) drink made from the fermented sap of the Toddy Palm. The British brought a version of this drink back with them and it has evolved into what we know today. There are a ton of varieties, but the basics are spirit, sweet, lemon, and spice (typically cinnamon or clove).

The Scots are likely the ones who decided to drink this warm and touted it as a cure. Even in modern day, many claim this drink as cure for the cold and flu, and even some doctors agree it will soothe a sore throat. On a basic level, all of the ingredients have been used as medicine (historically and even in modern day). That being said, it sounds like a great reason to make myself a drink without worrying about day drinking ;) At least that was my excuse, as I am suffering a horrible cold right now. We all know hot drinks are good for congestion because the steam soothes our sinuses and the warmth soothes our throat. Why not throw some extras into the mix?

Vitamin C for health

Honey to soothe

Alcohol to numb

--Victoria Moore (How to Drink)

Hot Toddy
1 cup hot water
1-2 oz bourbon (or whiskey/rum/brandy of choice)
1 Tbsp honey (or sugar)
1 tsp lemon juice
spice (optional): 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tea bag (black), 1 tsp loose tea/herb/spice

Dissolve your honey in the hot water. Add tea or herbs/spices if desired, and allow to steep a few minutes (I personally like to use Twinings Chai as it has all the spices I love, but I also think a good Earl Grey and cinnamon stick would be lovely as well). Add bourbon and lemon, stir, and sip. I tend to use only 1 oz bourbon, but many recipes call for 2 oz (and sometimes less than 1 cup of water!). This is easy enough to adjust to your specific tastes, but do make sure you are using a good spirit as that flavor will be the strongest one you taste.