What's in a 'Hot Toddy' Ye Ask?
Posted: Sunday, December 16, 2007
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
This article was inspired by one of our own. I wondered if anyone would be interested in the recipe for a hot toddy and of course, Jean Horst would ask! Please refer to "Study: Try Honey for Your Child's Cough" and the last comment.
Poor you! Your nose is running. You are shivering with chills. You could have a fever, sore throat but you're pretty sure, you have a cold. Honey, let me tell you more about a hot toddy and how it'll make you ‘feel' better even if it won't cure what ails you! In the south, toddy is used to describe a tonic for a cold and its accompanying symptoms. It's a sweet, ‘spirited' drink with honey that's served piping hot!
To make a hot toddy, you'll need the following ingredients:
3 ounces Whiskey, Dark Rum, Brandy or Bourbon
3 ounces Water
1 teaspoon Honey
Lemon juice from half a lemon
2 Cloves (optional)
Helper (16 years old or older) optional
Here's how it's made:
Have your helper half fill your tea kettle and bring the water to a boil. In a huge mug (or container) pour 3 ounces of your ‘spirit' of choice. Stir in a teaspoon of honey to the spirits. Pour the boiling hot water in the mixture, making sure to pour some over the spoon to get all the honey from it. Add lemon juice and stir well. Add a couple of cloves if desired. You can garnish with a lemon slice.
Voila! A hot toddy! It is to be sipped very slowly. Make sure it's piping hot. Heating in a microwavable container for no more than one minute at full power will do the trick. Serving in one of those insulated cups with a lid will help to maintain the heat until the very last sip.
I am not in any way prescribing medical cures for any ailment. This is a very soothing drink and it has always made me feel better. That wasn't a pun! My cold and its symptoms soon dissipated and I had energy to boot.
I know my body well and can now identify the symptoms before getting a full-blown cold. I have a regimen for that. Just in case you're wondering, gallons of water, mega doses of Vitamin C (3000mg) and one of those OTC products for cold and flu. I'll use Advil, Tylenol and Aleve Cold and Flu medicine. Just one, not all!
I know you are aware; none of those OTC products should be taken while drinking alcoholic beverages. Neither should you drive or operate any machinery. You should also see your personal physician to address your medical needs. If you are taking prescription medications, pregnant or nursing, check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional to see if the small amount of alcohol in a hot toddy is safe or not.
If you only have a cold and all or some of the symptoms that usually accompany a cold, drink up, be merry and feel better! Curl up in bed or on the couch and let your helper look after you. If you're like me, your laptop, iPod and several books are nearby.
Sip no more than two and you may call me in the morning.
© 2007 by Avis Ward
This Article has been viewed 1,652 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Thanks Avis! Of course, now Bruce is saying he thinks he's sick. LOLAwww poor Bruce! What timing for this recipe, eh? LOL You're welcome, Jean. Enjoy! ;)
Thanks Avis, you are a true friend! (hiccp)Bruce, I've been laughing my bum off at you two! Make sure Jean doesn't catch a cold. What the article didn't mention is, it can be taken prophylactically! LOL You're the 'helper!' Thanks, true friends take care of each other. :)
hi avis, very nice article. facts, fun, well written. i, unfortunately, wore out my welcome with alcohol, and have been sober for almost 15 years, so i can't try out your hot toddy, but i enjoyed reading your article. thanks for sharing, best regards, sueHiya Sue, thanks! I am so very proud of you. This toddy can be thoroughly enjoyable and beneficial without the alcohol. I've had it both ways and received a benefit. With the alcohol assures a good night's sleep not only for the patient but also for the caretaker! LOL Thanks for reading and your wonderful comments.
Hi Avis, this is absolutely adorable and hysterical. Thanks for the life-saving recipe! --SamanthaAhhhh Samantha, *smiling* ... thank you so very much! I'm happy you enjoyed it. I laughed plenty as I wrote it. Enjoy the recipe!
Yes, Avis I agree with Bruce and I feel another chill coming on. It is really freezing here in Florida with the temperture at 65. Actually, while it is strange, it hit me right after reading your article on honey for colds. Boy that honey sure is powerful stuff. All the best [cough, cough] time for another sip. As always with all best wishes and thoughts, RTM.Oooo RTM, so sorry to hear ya got a 'wittle coughee' going on. Your comments have me laughing. Do feel bettah, ok? And yes, that honey is powerful stuff! Thankfully, I'm in good shape. No sniffles or anything. *aaachooo!* Where'd that come from?! Hmmm, should I or should I not? Be well my friend. I will be in FL but in Ormond Beach. I'll be thinking of you and your family. My best wishes to you.
I haven't been sick for 343 days after sampling this recipe, until today. Now I hope I'm good for another 343 days. Thanks Avis!Well, here's to another 343+ days of no sickness. You're welcome, Bruce. Sure hope you're well soon. Thank you!
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