Ginger Lime Hot Toddy

This week we have been suffering the symptoms of a winter cold with a sore throat, congestion and body aches.  Along with the normal arsenal of over the counter medications to soothe the symptoms we like to end our day with a Hot Toddy.  Defined, a Hot Toddy is a mixture of spirit and citrus, sweetened and taken hot. In its many forms the Hot Toddy has been touted for centuries as a cold remedy.  Today’s take on the drink, the Ginger Lime Hot Toddy has certain medicinal values to help soothe ones cold symptoms.  Ginger has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-microbial and will help to ease your body aches.  Honey is known for its ability to soothe sore throats and lime is loaded with vitamin C which is helpful in boosting your immune system.  Now we do not claim that Rum is medicinal, but it does lend a hand in relaxing the body and bringing on slumber.  To get the most benefit from your hot toddy drink it as hot as humanly possible then bundle up in a warm blanket.  While the Hot Toddy is not a cure for the common cold, it will bring you comfort and soothe some of its symptoms, in a most pleasant way.  Feel better!            

Ginger Lime Hot Toddy

In a warmed tempered glass or ceramic mug add:

• 1 ½ Ounces Barbados Rum (any gold rum will do)
• 2 Ounces Ginger-Honey Syrup*
• The Juice of One Fresh Squeezed Lime

Top with boiling hot water.  Stir and garnish with a lime.

*Ginger-Honey Syrup

In a medium saucepan add:

• ½ Cup Honey
• ½ Cup Water
• ¼ Cup Peeled Chopped Ginger

Slowly bring all to a low boil stirring until honey is incorporated.  Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by ¼.  Allow to cool then strain through a fine sieve discarding ginger.  Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.