By Joy Nordenstrom
Cooking for Two and Romantic Meals Expert
If your love is coming down with a cold, I guarantee they will think you are a rock star if you make them this Cold-Fighting Hot Toddy. This elixir is packed with tons of vitamin C , including fresh squeezed juices –lemon, orange, grapefruit—and a boost a caffeine, which aids in the quicker absorption of the vitamin C.
Regular honey is fine, but if you want to take this toddy to the next level, use a honey from New Zealand called Manuka. All honey has anti-viral properties stemming from a wide range of phytochemicals, especially phenolic acids and flavonoids, and anti-microbial properties from rutin and chrysin. All good stuff. However, recent research on Manuka shows beyond the components found in most honey, there is a compound called methlglyoxal, which has been proven to have potent virus-killing properties.
A little bit of cognac helps the body relax, and makes this drink what it is. If you would like to make this as a virgin drink, it’s still delicious and cold-fighting. And of course, this hot toddy provides a big dose of love that will make anyone feel better!
When the cold and flu season descends, don't wait until someone you love gets sick to make your new favorite Hot Toddy! This recipe makes an excellent immune booster with it's vitamin C and the anti-viral properties in the honey. On chilly nights, create a ritual that one evening a week, you and your partner make this to warm up together. Curled up with a fireplace, blanket and your Hot Toddy, you are ready to fight the cold season in style!
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- ½ ruby grapefruit
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- ½ cup black, caffeinated tea (if preferred, decaffeinated tea can be used as a substitute)
- 2 teaspoons honey, preferably Manuka Honey with +10 or higher UMF
- Special tools: citrus fruit juicer or squeezer, serve in either an extra large coffee mug or better yet a cognac glass
Preparation
When selecting your citrus fruit, look for fruit with thinner skin and an even color. Wash outside of fruit, cut in half and squeeze with a citrus fruit juicer or simply use a fork. Make sure there are no seeds in the final drink. Place juice in a microwave proof cup or heat stovetop. If in microwave, heat for 45 seconds till hot but not boiling. Pour hot water over tea bag and add honey in whatever mug or glass you plan to serve the drink in.
Add the warmed juice and cognac. Stir and serve
warm. Add more honey or cognac to taste. Garnish with a slice of orange
or lemon.
source: about.com
