I was coming back from Ireland on Virgin Airlines. While we were there we partied like rock stars, drank too much, got no sleep and danced in the rain. Needless to say I caught a head cold! On the plane, my head was pounding, my body was aching and the stewardess could tell I was hurting. We were looking at a ten hour flight back home and the way I felt I knew it was going to be a painful ride.

The stewardess took one look at me and took pity. 

“How are you doing dear?” She asked tenderly in her cute, Irish accent. 

“I’m dying a slow, painful death” I answered.

 Sure I was a little dramatic, after all I am an Aries,  Latina woman who grew up on Telenovelas and drama is my middle name. I explained to her that I had a bad head cold. 

“I have the perfect remedy for you, dear. It’s called a Hot Toddy and my grandmother used to make it for me when I was a little girl. It will make you feel a whole lot better. It has a bit of Irish whiskey, dear. Would you like for me to make you one?” I was already powerless by her accent and the fact that I love Irish whiskey needed no convincing. 

She brought me a hot cup of what appeared to be tea. I took one sip and it was so soothing. My body ache slowing went away and I was able to breathe a little better. Of course the more I drank the better I felt. 

They tasted sweet and delicious. i could not help myself. I kept ordering more like the the boy in the story Oliver Twist “Please sir, may I have some more.” She gladly made me more and was tickled that I was enjoying them and feeling better. 

So now I’m drunk, sleepy and curious. Did she say her grandmother made these for her when she was only a girl? However, my curiosity and judgements would have to wait because I soon passed out. 

How does this magical Irish home remedy work? Drinking one Hot Toddy or two will make you feel better. Warning: if you get drunk the way I did, your immune system will suffer and can work against you. Therefore, you might want to stick to one or two.

The honey and lemon in this home remedy will help with your sore throat and the warmth of the hot tea can make you “sweat it out.” 

The whiskey will help you sleep and get some shut eye. And quite frankly, sleeping is what makes you heal faster when you’re sick. Sleep away a head cold and the flu. 

Next time you are feeling a little under the weather, try making this home remedy at home and think of that sweet airline stewardess’ auntie who took time out of her day to make her dying, baby niece a hot toddy.  I will always remember the beautiful Irish stewardess, now a grown woman, who took pity on me once upon time.

Slainte Mhaith (An Gaelic Irish toast that translates “to your health”) 

Cheers! (An American toast that translates to just “cheers”) 

Hot Toddy

First start by putting on your best Irish accent possible. In a cup add all the following ingredients:

.5oz lemon