The GrogDog believes in the healing power of alcohol – after all, it kills germs when applied topically, so why not from the inside? Earlier this winter I posted a recipe for a bourbon toddy that has several cold-busting elements: lemon juice (vitamin C), honey (soothes the throat), warming hot water (it’s important to hydrate!), and of course alcohol to induce rest and beat that cold into submission.
Another cold-fighting super-ingredient is ginger. Though it has been used for millennia as an all-purpose tonic, ginger is hot again (pun intended), for its spicy flavor and versatility as much as its medicinal properties.
Ginger is also a popular base for liqueurs and cocktail ingredient, and while it makes many delicious drinks, I consider its best use a cold-fighting toddy booster. Its flavor marries well with bourbon, rye, gin, or rum, so you can choose your base according to taste.
To double or triple the ginger mojo, layer in a slice or two of fresh ginger and/or sweeten your toddy with ginger syrup.
Image credit: TummyRumble.Hultberg.org
Ginger Toddy
2 oz bourbon, rum, rye, or gin
1 oz ginger liqueur (Domaine de Canton or other brand)
1 oz ginger syrup* (substitute honey if you’re too exhausted to make syrup, or you have a sore throat)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (if using rum, try fresh lime juice instead)
Fresh ginger slice (optional)
Boiling water
Stir all ingredients in a sturdy mug. Sip slowly while bundled up in warm pajamas and wooly socks.
Image credit: Imgur
*Ginger syrup: Boil 1 cup each sugar and water with a handful of slices of fresh peeled ginger. Stir to dissolve sugar; remove from heat, cover and let steep until completely cool. Strain into a clean jar; store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Note: Bundled-up dog image is for illustrative purposes only. Please do not give your dog a toddy, or any alcohol, any time, for any reason.
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