Virgin Hot Toddy Recipe

Why didn’t I think of this before? A virgin hot toddy with apple cider vinegar to fight a cold. I got a cold, and I didn’t pay attention and take care of myself in the early stages. I stayed up late and worked on home movies, homework, and one million other things. I was sipping the vinegar, and learned that sipping the vinegar is much more effective if you sip it straight — like a shot. No dilution.

Grandma used to make the traditional hot toddy (yes, according to Wikipedia it’s toddy not tottie) with Whiskey, but of course, like all good things, the American Lung Association now recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages as a remedy for the cold, as these cause dehydration. But I drank one anyway. It was amazingly good and smooth. But, the next morning, I still had the cold. So, I made myself a virgin version of the Hot Toddy. I adapted this recipe from the FoodNetwork Kitchens.

• 2 to 3 ounces apple cider vinegar, top shelf preferred, of course
• 1 ounce honey
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

Warm the vinegar, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan until honey dissolves and the drink is hot, but not boiling. Pour into a mug. Drink.

Optional: Add a teaspoon of ginger syrup to the mix. Because we all know that ginger helps fight a cold too.

• 1 lemon
• 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh ginger with peel, about 8 ounces
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water

Remove the outer peel of the lemon with a vegetable peeler, taking care not to include too much of the bitter white pith. Finely chop the lemon peel and ginger in a food processor. Transfer the lemon-ginger mixture to a medium saucepan, add the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Makes two cups.

I’m feeling much better.