Dublin, Ireland: Hot Tottie

With September half over, we're soon into fall.  If not already, it will soon be time to cover up and pull out those parkas and overcoats.  Dublin has already seen a few brisk and wet days.  It's not my imagination, but, everyone around me is desperately trying to scathe off the dreaded cold, flu, sore throat, and cough.

Remembering mom or grandma's classic cold remedy of honey, lemon and whiskey, for those unwelcomed sneezes and sniffles, what a better time then now, while in the land of great whiskeys, to offer up a recipe for the classic "hot tottie."

Cheers to good health!


Hot Tottie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Jameson Irish whiskey (I'm in Dublin for Godssake!).  Rum, scotch or bourbon works too.
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1/4 lemon
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tea bag (optional)
• 4-5 cloves

Preparation:

1. Coat the bottom of a mug or an Irish coffee glass with honey.
2. Add the liquor and the juice of the lemon quarter and cloves.
3. Heat water in a tea kettle and add the tea bag (black tea preferred) or simply, hot water.
4. Pour the steaming tea, or hot water, into the glass and stir.
5. Add a cinnamon stick.
6. Enjoy!