How to make a Brandy Hot Toddy?- Grandma’s Wisdom in Fighting the Cold & Flu

Hot toddies were used by our forefathers to help fend off the cold weather. Today they have become a popular remedy to take care of various winter cold and flu symptoms.

My parents were raised by 2 completely different sets of forefathers hailing from different parts of the Zoroastrian empire! But the universal wisdom that they collectively imbibed and remember, is being given a shot of ‘Doctor Brandy’ when they fell ill (I do NOT choose to name everything with the word ‘Doctor’. This was the actual brand name popularly available then! ?)

You wouldn’t believe it if I told you, but a Hot Toddy as some cultures call it is believed to do the same thing ibuprofen would! I can see the sweet grin creeping up your face… preparing to elocute your next excuse for using alcohol as part of the medicine cabinet. But before you decide to try my grandma’s remedy, I want you to understand the little nuances which will help you use it more effectively.

Does Hot Toddy treat Colds & Flu?

NO!

There is no doubt about this. And quite honestly, nothing truly can. Remember, the majority of colds and flu are caused by viruses. The aim here, as with any viral infection is to boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms.

How does Hot Toddy help in a Cold or Flu?

Remember, how you cuddle up when you are down with a cold? While a blanket will keep you warm on the outside, the Toddy will keep you warm on the inside. 

The warm drink itself along with the alcohol being used in this recipe (whiskey or rum primarily) causes vasodilatation and serves as an effective decongestant. This increase in blood flow possibly helps to deliver white blood cells to the area that is affected.

I have also heard some people remark on feeling a little sleepy after having it. While that is actually one of the first signs of alcohol intoxication, I like using that to our advantage since your body needs rest and LOTS OF IT. So rest and sleep if you must and let your body do the healing.

Furthermore, the addition of honey and lemon in the traditional recipe helps to soothe a sore, scratchy throat and can ease a cough as well.

My Grandma’s Hot Toddy Recipe

Hot Toddy recipes vary wildly, but they all stick to the same basic principle – hot water, dark spirit, and honey. Here’s a traditional Brandy Hot Toddy recipe from my grandma:

• 2 ounces of brandy (whiskey will do)
• 1 Tbsp of honey (I prefer using Manuka Honey in these recipes)
• Hot water (enough to top off your mug)

That’s it! Her recipe was simple but absolutely effective.

I have made my own tweak to the recipe and added:

• Juice of half a lemon
• A sprinkling of cinnamon and ginger!

Preparation

1. Bring water to a boil and pour it into a mug
2. Add the brandy, lemon juice, and spices, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add the tablespoon of honey when you find it warm enough to drink.

I am not a fan of precise measurements. I like to simplify anything possible. I literally just eyeball the ingredients according to my preferences and the situation on hand. Feel free to add or subtract the ingredients according to your liking.

But of course, a word of caution is in order.

Just like in any other situation when it comes to drinking, know when to stop. A half-ounce glass of a Brandy Hot Toddy will do wonders for your aches and pains, but if you go overboard, rest I say more! ?

Let me know what are your traditional recipes and ways to navigate a cold & flu.

Sending lots of healthy and happy wishes your way. ?

P.S.- I delve into great detail and cover a lot of preventive and recovery tips for the Cold and Flu here.

Grandma’s Brandy Hot Toddy Recipe

A Hot Toddy will basically do the same thing ibuprofen would. While it won't cure your cold, it will help alleviate the symptoms.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Parsi/Zoroastrian

Servings 1 glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 ounces of brandy (or whiskey)
• 1 Tbsp of honey (I prefer using Manuka Honey in these recipes)
• Hot water (enough to top off your mug)
• Juice of half a lemon
• Sprinkling of cinnamon and ginger (optional)

Instructions

 

• Bring water to a boil and pour it into a mug.
• Add the brandy, lemon juice, and spices, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Add the tablespoon of honey when you find it warm enough to drink.

Keyword Brandy, Cold & Flu, homemade remedies, Hot toddy

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