Hot Toddy

I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so today’s recipe is the traditional scottish Hot Toddy.

I remember my father making these for me once or twice when I was younger, but I never did like the taste. As I grew older, I started to appreciate the flavour as well as the “medicinal” qualities. Although this won’t cure you, as some old wives will tell you, it does work well to alleviate throat discomfort.

Since the Hot Toddy comes from Scotland, it should be made with Scotch Whisky. However, pretty much any dark spirit could be substituted. I don’t usually have scotch at home, so I usually use bourbon. You can also try with brandy or a dark rum.

My throat is starting to hurt, so here goes the recipe.

Recipe:

1 oz. Scotch Whisky
1/2 oz. Honey
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
3 oz. boiling Water

In a cup or mug, first dissolve the honey with a little hot water. Then just add the whisky, lemon juice and the rest of the water and stir well. Make sure to drink while still hot.

Notes:

If you like the spirit you’ve used, you’ll probably enjoy the toddy version. Even though it might seem a little strange at first, I have found it beneficial when I’ve had a sore throat. Play with the proportions too. The ingredients are those I’ve detailed above, but the amounts of each vary wildly from source to source. I’ve written down more or less what I use, but it’s not an exact science.

Also, if you’re taking medicine for a flu, check to see if there’s a problem combining the two. If you can’t take alcohol with the medicine, leave the medicine!
Rating:

- Not a drink I’d have normally, but effective when called for.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 31st, 2007 at 7:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.