You know how in historical novels, like ones set in the 1800s, they always offer whiskey to people who don't feel well?
Ok, maybe you don't read as much historical fiction than I do but I always wondered what was up with giving hard alcohol to sick people.
You see, if I drink, I'm going to go for beer or wine. I really don't do cocktails. Except when I don't feel well.
I just recently started making myself hot toddies because those it turns out people in historical novels were onto something. This year has been the year of colds and sometimes when I'm super stuffed up and feeling crummy, a hot toddy really hits the spot. I don't know if it's the little bit of alcohol or all the spices in the hot tea, or a combination, but for whatever reason, it works.
you need:
hot tea (I love spiced black tea for this-- try Bigelow's Constant Comment)
lemon slices
3 - 4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
honey to taste
optional: 1.5 fluid ounces whiskey, bourbon or dark rum (you could likely make this without the alcohol and it would still be delicious)
liberally coat the bottom of a mug with honey. add your tea bag and hot water, the juice from one lemon wedge, plus another one or two for garnish, and spices. let steep for 5 minutes. remove the tea bag and add your choice of alcohol. stir well.
sip (perhaps while reading a historic novel?)
xo, erika
