Hot Toddy

Coronavirus. Ugh. We may not have a cure yet, but thankfully, we have some boozy remedies for respiratory ailments. Tonight looks like the last freeze of the 2019-2020 cold season and we’re all spending it in quarantine. So the Hot Toddy to the rescue! So what’s so great about the Hot Toddy? Well, for one, it’s old; it’s been healing Scots for about 300 years. The drink is also easy to prepare when you are sick and hard to screw up (if you do, it’s probably because you added too much lemon- add more honey to fix it).

The best part about the Hot Toddy, though, is that it really does help you through your cold symptoms. One, it has some Vitamin C from the lemons. Two, honey is antibacterial and soothes throats. Three, the heat of the Toddy itself acts as an expectorant, thinning your breathing passages. If you are worried about the alcohol, don’t be; most doctors are okay with an ounce and a half of spirit a day, even if you have a cold. So, a toast to your health (literally)!

Hot Toddy

¼ ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1 bar spoon of  honey (about ¼ oz)

4 ounces boiling water

1 ½ ounces whiskey (we like Stranahan’s)

Combine all ingredients into a warmed mug or Irish coffee glass and stir to dissolve honey. Traditional garnishes include lemon peel, cinnamon sticks, and/or star anise. If you want to be fancy, stud your citrus peel with whole cloves.