Many years ago I was on a business trip in St Louis and planned to spend an extra day there before heading back home so that I could spend some time with my Aunt and Uncle who lived nearby. Unfortunately, I developed a cold while I was there. I called my Aunt and Uncle to explain and told them I would stay in my hotel room that night, as I didn’t want to risk getting them sick. They insisted I stick to our original plan and welcomed me with open arms.
When I arrived, my Uncle Neal “dosed” me with this hot toddy. The drink was soothing in its own right, but the deeper comfort came from him, and from the quiet ritual of being cared for by someone I loved so dearly.
As he explained it, the tea is for comfort, the honey to coat your throat, the vinegar to cut the phlegm, and the brandy to ease your cough. Make sure to use black leaf tea, Green tea or an herbal variety will not be good here.
You can adjust the amounts as you like, but I find that keeping the honey, vinegar, and brandy at a 1:1:1 proportion works best. In other words, if you use 2 tablespoons honey, also use 2 tablespoons each of vinegar and brandy.
When I have a head cold, this is the warm drink I turn to, because it brings me physical and emotional comfort every time. And now, each time I make it, I think of him, and of how care can be passed down in something as simple as a warm mug in your hands.
Uncle Neal’s Hot Toddy
This version of a hot toddy begins with strong black tea, softened with honey, brightened with apple cider vinegar, and finished with a splash of brandy. It’s warm, soothing, and quietly restorative. The kind of mug you wrap your hands around when you need comfort more than anything else.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Brew the tea and pour into a mug. Add honey, apple-cider vinegar, and brandy (or whiskey), and stir to incorporate. Sip while snuggled under a warm blanket.
