Hot Toddy Recipe

Where have I been? 

A lot has happened since my last post in April. During that interval I decided to spend more time working on the cars and less time blogging about working on the cars. Now I come back to post something entirely unrelated to cars! But first a recap: The 1980 MGB was back on the road for most of the summer after re-installing a rebuilt cylinder head, new radiator, tie rods, alignment...and some other stuff. Right now its parked awaiting replacement of a leaking fuel sender unit. The '73 GT is now up on stands in the garage being stripped to bare metal and the outer sills are being cut away. Now for the real reason for today's post: I can never find this recipe when I really need it:

 

The Classic Atlantic Canadian 'Hot Toddy'

A Toddy is a hot drink consisting of liquor (often rum), water, sugar, and spices. This a Maritime Canadian variation of the drink used for medicinal purposes. It is particularly effective in the early stages of a cold brought on from excessive hours out in cold Bay of Fundy. This recipe comes from Dr. Burt, a parasitologist at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, NB, Canada. He was one of my favorite professors - I almost majored in parasitology as a result! My parasitology training has served me well as a Systems Administrator and Application Manager ;-) Ingredients Makes one "dose"

• 2 large, fresh lemons
• Liquor (Rum, Gin, Whiskey, Brandy, Vodka - I prefer Rum or Gin)
• Honey
• Warmed mug
• Ibuprofen or Tylenol (for the next day)

Squeeze the two lemons into a pot, including as much of the pulp as you can. Some folks throw in the rinds and all, but that would require straining the hot liquid - not recommended after more than two dosings! Lemons are your source of Vitamin C. Add at least 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Dr. B's theory is that is facilitates Vitamin C transfer into your cells. My theory : it makes the lemon juice bearable,  adds antihistamine, and gives the toddy its juju. Heat the lemon juice on the stove and dissolve lots of honey into the mixture. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (to prevent evaporation of the alcohol). Something truly magic happens when you heat this stuff. Add a couple of shots of liquor and serve in a warmed mug. Prepare to sweat a lot and feel very warm and fuzzy all over. The treatment is best right before bed. Repeat dosing as long as you are able to serve yourself. Take Ibuprofen or Tylenol in the morning to counteract any effects of overdosing - it also helps with any lingering fever.