The winter hot toddy is a beverage legendary for healing a host of ailments and for lifting the spirits! At the first hint of a cold or toothache, my Irish great-grandmother put a toddy together for family members of all ages. It took her no time at all: just a shot of this and a dash of that. And she served it with love and a kind word. Small wonder that she was beloved by all!
Is A Hot Toddy Actually Good For Your Health?
Okay, alcohol is definitely not the world’s healthiest substance. But granny is not entirely wrong to dole out hot toddies for all members of the family when the noses start to run. This Winter Hot Toddy isn’t exactly juice cleanse-ready, but it does have some health benefits. Honey has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and it can help coat and calm an irritated throat, reducing coughing and discomfort. The warmth of the drink helps to loosen mucus and may ease throat irritation, making you feel more comfortable. Certain spices like cinnamon and cloves also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that could offer mild support to your immune system.
Hot Toddy
Description
An elixir of health.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Water
- 1 ½ oz. Kingfly Blended Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 tbsp. Bumbleberry Farms honey
- 3 tbsp. Meyer lemon juice
- Lemon rounds, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise
Instructions
- Warm the water, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan with cinnamon, cloves and anise to taste. When the mixture begins to bubble, turn off the flame and add whiskey.
- Pour into small mugs or teacups and sip like Prohibition is still on! Don’t be shy about letting the spices continue to soak in the mugs: their fragrance and flavor add to the experience.
Recipe by Keith Recker / Styling by Ana Kelly / Photography by Adam Milliron
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