In Ireland, when the winter cold and flu season arrives, we fear not, because we have the perfect answer to chills and bugs: the Irish ‘Hot Toddy.’ We make it in the traditional way with the finest Irish whiskey, cloves, honey / sugar and lemon – everything you need for a good night’s sleep, to keep the chill off your bones and ward off those winter aches and pains.

It’s no surprise that due to its medicinal benefits, Irish whiskey has long been known as ‘Uisce Beatha’, or ‘Water of Life.’ The steaming ‘Hot Toddy’, with its mixture of sugar/honey, lemon and cloves, not only warms the cockles of our hearts, but wards off all winter shivers and sniffles.

So how do we make the perfect Irish Hot Toddy?

Ingredients:

A good Irish whiskey (Jameson or Powers is ideal!)

A heat proof glass

7/8 cloves

2 teaspoons of brown sugar or honey

Slice of lemon

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Preparation:

Fill a kettle to boil hot water.

Place a metal spoon in a glass to prevent glass from breaking.

Cut a slice of lemon, remove the pips and stick some cloves into the fruit.

Put a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey into the glass followed by a good shot of Irish whiskey.  Give the whiskey and sugar/honey mixture a bit of a stir and try to dissolve the lumps.

Add boiling water and then stir again.

Add the lemon and additional cloves (if desired) to the mix.

Wrap a little napkin around the glass, so you don’t scald yourself.

Sit back, relax and Enjoy !!!

And so, there you have it – my Irish ‘Hot Toddy’.

I hope you will try it and like me, have a sniffle free winter.

I raise my glass and wish you a warm Irish  SLAINTE !!

 

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