Black Tea, Whisky, Honey, Lemon

Saturday, March 7, 2009 by Julie Cancio Harper.

In Ohio, there will be a time each year, on the cusp of spring, when in the course of one week temperatures are bitterly cold (say, 19 degrees as a daytime high) and shortly, within a few days, downright warm (today it’s 65+ degrees).  It’s happening now, in March, and we natives call this “normal.”  We natives also know that this warm spell will not last and that it is likely we’ll get snow again this year.  Probably at Easter when I’m wearing my new sundress and sandals.

If you’re getting good rest and eating right and your stress isn’t too high, you might squeak by without getting sick during the weather change.  But around these parts well-rested, well-fed, relaxed people are kinda rare.  So you might catch that head cold that’s going around.

Eric did.  By the time I realized that it was not just a passing sniffle brought on by allergies, he had already developed a painful cough to go with the sinus drainage and fuzzyheadedness.  Eric does not get sick often, but he is most likely to catch something after completing some strenuous film production.  Because 1) it’s  stressful work, 2) it’s hard to eat right when you’re focused on a deadline, and 3) you tend to work long hours and have less time for sleep.

Bingo.  Our first warm snap and I’m out the door to stock up on black tea, whisky, honey, and lemon.  Sure, you can take any number of over-the-counter medications to clear your head and chest and block your fever.  But if you’re sick, it may just possibly be true that what you need more than racing around trying to live your normal life is to take the day off, snuggle on the couch, and spend a good twelve hours nursing many rounds of soothing, steamy beverages.

I suggest this hot toddy tea.

Go get your biggest mug.  This is Eric’s — it holds 2 cups of liquid.

Squeeze into the mug the juice from a wedge of lemon.  Toss in the wedge if you like more lemon flavor and don’t mind it floating in there.  Beautiful, uplifting.

Next, select your favorite black tea bag and toss it in with the lemon.  You don’t have to be fancy — Lipton’s is fine.  Then get out your honey bear and squeeze at least a teaspoon into the mug — more if you like.  Honey is a great throat coat.  And delicious.

Now add boiling water, leaving room for the whisky!  Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.

Last, add the whisky, any brand you like, and give it one more stir.  Eric likes Seagram’s V.O.  I start with 2 tablespoons and then check it for taste.  It should be enough to warm your throat but not knock you for a loop with the first mug.

Repeat as necessary.  And, yesterday, necessary was every time the mug got empty.  Stick to the couch and catch up on some fun reading or watch a few movies.  It’s OK to take care of yourself, one steamy cup at a time.

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