As much as I love autumn, there’s an almost inevitable downside each year: The Annual Cold. For the last week, despite my best efforts, I’ve been coughing and sniffling and frankly feeling rather sorry for myself. Thankfully there is a ray of hope in the face of The Annual Cold: The Hot Toddy. It might not be a cure, but it sure is jolly comforting to sip in the evening to ease a sore throat and give you a bit of zing when you’re feeling congested and a bit rubbish.

If you’re out and about or at work, trying to nurse yourself to health with a limp lemon and ginger teabag just doesn’t come close to the sweetness and zip of a real Hot Toddy. And it’s not like you can whip out a saucepan and make it from scratch! I figured, why not just take out the water and you’ve got yourself an instant hot toddy syrup that you can take with you without all the bits and just add the hot water later? How’s that for an idea!

Obviously, the alcohol in this recipe is optional, particularly if you’re planning to take this to your place of work! I don’t want to be responsible for anyone getting into any trouble, ok?

Ingredients

• Pared zest and juice of 2 lemons

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 inch cube of ginger, grated

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 3 tbsp honey

• 4 tbsp whiskey or brandy (optional)

Method

Heat all the ingredients together in a pan on a fairly low heat for about 10 minutes until infused. You can leave to cool before straining out the bits to develop even more flavour*. Strain into 4 mini jars for individual portions.

*If you want to keep these longer than a few days to a week, make sure you strain and portion into sterile jars while still hot.

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