Inspired by a post on Imbibe and the imminent flu season, my mind wandered today to the hot toddy, a cocktail most commonly used as a folk remedy. The variations abound, but the base is simple: brandy, rum, or whisky; something hot, typically black tea, but perhaps coffee or cocoa; a sweetener, traditionally honey—all served warm. Obviously certain permutations of the recipe have their own names—whisky and coffee is “Irish Coffee,” for example—but the basic brandy, tea, and honey mix, perhaps jazzed up with a few spices, seems to be the most traditional for addressing a cold-weather ailment.

For some reason I happen to have some brandy around. I can’t wait to get sick!

Imbibe has asked its readers to contribute their favorite variations.

The Japanese have a somewhat similar hot drink for colds called Tamagozake, made of heated sake, sugar, and a raw egg.

Toddy Time [Imbibe Unfiltered]

Image: Fabulous 0ne

Previously: Nalewka Babuni 2.0: Super Anti-Oxidant Health Booze [Dethroner]