Let’s face it. Winter is a starting to get a bit on our nerves. After the holidays are done, we are left with love handles, bills to pay, a busy work schedule, and a few aching joints. On top of that, it’s cold and rainy (at least in here). It may sound too depressing but it isn’t….oh who am I kidding. It is. The beginning of the year is always a bit rough, but I got you covered! Winter can be defeated with this amazing drink that has been used by people of the North for centuries (or for as long as booze has existed). Hot Toddy: the perfect remedy for the winter blues.

Make this simple concoction at home to revive your body and soul. The recipe I present you today has Manuka Honey, which totally boosts your immune system. A cocktail that helps you stay healthy? Yes please! (well…as healthy as booze can be, ha!)

Read the full recipe after the jump.

HOT TODDY

INGREDIENTS AND STEPS
1 Cup of water, 1 lemon, 5 cloves, 1oz or Dark Rum, Bourbon or Whiskey, 1 Tbsp of Manuka Honey.

First: Boil 1 cup of water. While you wait for your water to heat up – cut 1 lemon wedge and stick 3-5 cloves in it (depending on how strong ya like it) and set aside.

Then: Measure 1oz of Dark Rum (or any other liquor of your choice) and get 1 Tbsp of Manuka Honey (which you can find in any health food store or natural market like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s).

Once your water is boiling and ready to go, turn the heat off. Pour the booze, dissolve the honey and add the lemon with the cloves. Let it steep for a couple minutes to infuse the drink – don’t boil it though! Or all the alcohol in the drink will evaporate (and we definitely don’t want that, do we?).

Finally: Grab your favorite mug and pour in the Hot Toddy. I suggest at this point you get cozy by a fire with your favorite magazine or even better, drink it in bed. If you pass out you can blame it on the ah-ah-ah-alcohol. And hey, if you happen to like winter walks – then take it on the go!

See, I did it. And it kept me nice and warm. Enjoy!

Photography by: Mark Yammine