Hot Toddy!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, before becoming a health coach and herbalist, I was a bartender at a New York City pub called The Racing Club.

It was located directly across the street from Fox News and Christies Auction House, so our patrons were a nice mix of neighborhood locals, newsworthy celebrities, and international buyers/sellers.

One of my favorite patrons was a Scottish gentleman named Ian. He would visit daily for a pint (or two, or three). He had a sharp wit and big smile, that grew bigger with each pint.

Ian entered the bar one day and he sounded terrible: his nose was congested and his eyes were red and weepy from sneezing all day. He had a cold.

Instead of ordering his usual pint, he asked for a hot toddy.

I was new to bartending so I said, “What’s a hot toddy?”

He said, “It’s the best medicine when you’ve gut a cold” (say that with a Scottish accent).

The basic ingredients are hot water, spirits, sugar, spices, and a lemon squeeze or orange peel. It was a medicinal drink used in Scotland to combat the cold, damp climate. It also has a history of use in India, Britain, and Ireland, too.

I followed his instructions and prepared the Hot Toddy. And, wouldn’t you know it… by the time he finished sipping that drink, he started looking and feeling better. It certainly was medicine!

Today, as an herbalist I understand how this magically delicious beverage works.

The alcohol is an excellent delivery system for the spices to do their work warming up a “cold” system. The Rhinovirus (common cold) thrives in lower temperatures.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon (one of the spices used in this drink), induces a sweat, releases pathogens and strengthens the kidneys. It is best used for early-stage colds with symptoms like chills, headache, and stiff neck.

Cloves, another potent spice, acts as an expectorant to clear mucus, reduces sore throat pain, and combats infections due to their antimicrobial properties.

So, whether you’ve “gut a cold” or just want a fun drink to warm you up on the inside, take a tip from Ian and enjoy a Hot Toddy.