Head cold, Hot Toddy, November.
Oh, November.
So far you've brought dark skies at 5 p.m., a sore throat, a stuffy head, a horrible cough, a lingering curry smell in the kitchen, and a waterlogged, three-month-old laptop that no longer types the way it should. I suppose that last part is my fault, after leaving a cup with an inch of water left out on the table, next to said laptop, where kittens could break the rules and knock the cup over, just like that.
This month, I am thankful for whiskey.
I know a few months back, as Pimm's Cup season started growing legs and taking off, I told you all that whiskey does bad things to good people. And it does, sometimes. But turns out, not me. And after trying a swallow of bacon-infused bourbon just a week or two ago, I decided I needed more of it (by "it," I mean bourbon, but more bacon is always good, too) in my life, and two bottles and half a container of honey later, I'm happily on board.
Mostly, I've been drinking whiskey in the form of hot toddys (see above re: sore throat, stuffy head, horrible cough), which is where the honey comes in. I discovered the hot toddy when I saw this post, and then this post, and combined the two recipes to create the perfect companion to a sore throat on a windy weeknight. Thing is, the first time I made it, I didn't actually have a sore throat, but after the first gulp I said, "This almost makes me wish I had a sore throat!" I retracted the statement immediately, telling Murdo I swear I didn't mean it, but he just shook his head in that "Be careful what you wish for" kind of way. Go figure.
There are a number of different recipes out there for hot toddys, the traditional involving simply hot water, lemon, honey and whiskey, but I took a cue from Tracy at Shutterbean and use ginger tea, instead. Here is how I make mine:
Hot Toddy
1 ginger tea bag
1.5 ounces bourbon
1 big lemon wedge
8 ounces hot water
1 tablespoon honey
Place tea bag in a mug. Add bourbon and lemon juice, and pour in hot water to fill the cup. Add honey and stir to combine. Let steep for a few minutes, then curl up on the couch with a book and enjoy.
Thanks for the whiskey, November. And while I'm at it, thank you for kittens, and peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and Saturday mornings in my fuzzy robe and new slippers, and for reminding me that it's not all broken laptops and head colds.
So far you've brought dark skies at 5 p.m., a sore throat, a stuffy head, a horrible cough, a lingering curry smell in the kitchen, and a waterlogged, three-month-old laptop that no longer types the way it should. I suppose that last part is my fault, after leaving a cup with an inch of water left out on the table, next to said laptop, where kittens could break the rules and knock the cup over, just like that.
This month, I am thankful for whiskey.
I know a few months back, as Pimm's Cup season started growing legs and taking off, I told you all that whiskey does bad things to good people. And it does, sometimes. But turns out, not me. And after trying a swallow of bacon-infused bourbon just a week or two ago, I decided I needed more of it (by "it," I mean bourbon, but more bacon is always good, too) in my life, and two bottles and half a container of honey later, I'm happily on board.
Mostly, I've been drinking whiskey in the form of hot toddys (see above re: sore throat, stuffy head, horrible cough), which is where the honey comes in. I discovered the hot toddy when I saw this post, and then this post, and combined the two recipes to create the perfect companion to a sore throat on a windy weeknight. Thing is, the first time I made it, I didn't actually have a sore throat, but after the first gulp I said, "This almost makes me wish I had a sore throat!" I retracted the statement immediately, telling Murdo I swear I didn't mean it, but he just shook his head in that "Be careful what you wish for" kind of way. Go figure.
There are a number of different recipes out there for hot toddys, the traditional involving simply hot water, lemon, honey and whiskey, but I took a cue from Tracy at Shutterbean and use ginger tea, instead. Here is how I make mine:
Hot Toddy
1 ginger tea bag
1.5 ounces bourbon
1 big lemon wedge
8 ounces hot water
1 tablespoon honey
Place tea bag in a mug. Add bourbon and lemon juice, and pour in hot water to fill the cup. Add honey and stir to combine. Let steep for a few minutes, then curl up on the couch with a book and enjoy.
Thanks for the whiskey, November. And while I'm at it, thank you for kittens, and peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and Saturday mornings in my fuzzy robe and new slippers, and for reminding me that it's not all broken laptops and head colds.
I hope you feel better. There is nothing better when you have a cold than a hot toddy.
ReplyDeleteSorry you are sick, but hope you're doing better now. Omar is getting so big!
ReplyDeleteWhy have I never made a hot toddy? I need to get on this.
ReplyDeleteit's all about perspective... hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteJacqui, I had no idea that you could combine hot tea and alcohol—this might be dangerous knowledge!
ReplyDeleteBut I can attest to the magical healing powers of cuddling with kittens while wearing warm slippers. Sounds like you've had a tough November, but you are clearly taking the best kinds of medicine.
There's no condition that cannot be improved by bourbon and bacon!
ReplyDeleteWords of Deliciousness - You're so right. And thank you!
ReplyDeleteJ - I am better now. You should see Marlo! They miss you.
Nicole - Um, YES.
Lan - So true. Thanks for your kind words. :)
Maddie - A kitty's purr is seriously some of the best medicine. And I'm learning that you can combine alcohol with pretty much anything. :)
Brad - We should start keeping bourbon and bacon in the office.