Healing Satsuma Spice Hot Toddy
Happy National Hot Toddy Day!!
January 11th is National Hot Toddy Day. I kind of associate hot toddies with an old fashioned cold cure. I mean if I'm being honest, I know that it probably isn't going to cure this awful flu-like whatever it is that I have right at this moment. However, I feel terrible and wanted something warm (even though it is a balmy 72 degrees on January 11th...what gives).
Instead of using just hot water and lemon juice, I created a tea. I added the traditional spices, including cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, some cardamom seeds, and cloves. (You could probably get away with no cardamom pods or allspice berries, but definitely do not skimp on the cinnamon sticks and cloves!)
Healthy Cocktail Accoutrements
For some vitamin C, I added one of my favorite winter treats; Satsuma oranges. They are the most beautiful little citrus fruits, akin to candy inside of an orange peel.
You know what else I added? All the ginger and all the turmeric. I am hoping this helps a little bit to offset the fact that my entire body feels bruised, though I'm sure some of the benefits are canceled by the bourbon/whiskey.
Ginger contains gingerol (specifically 6-gingerol) which is an incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Gingerol suppresses pro-inflammatory compounds and inhibits the production of damaging free radicals. Ginger also contains antibacterial properties which can help to ward off rhinoviruses, helping to avoid colds in the first place!
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level. Curcumin blocks certain pathways that are used by molecules to travel into the nuclei of cells to turn on genes that cause inflammation, which in some cases can be directly related to common diseases.
Try this delicious, nutrient packed cocktail! Let me know what you think! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Make sure you're following me on Instagram @corrielanderson, post a photo of your beautiful creation, tag me, and use #itsallofit!
p.s. Do you have any magical flu curing tips?
p.s.s. Did you celebrate National Hot Toddy Day?
(You might be interested in another healthy cocktail recipe, called The Green Poodle! Scroll down for more cocktail recipes!)
Healing Satsuma Spice Hot Toddy
Recipe Author: Corrie Anderson
Recipe Type: Cocktail
Serves: 2 (with some spiced 'tea' left over)
INGREDIENTS
- 10 - 20 allspice berries
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- handful of whole cloves
- 3 cardamom pods, emptied
- 4 apple rings
- 3 cups water
- 1 fresh turmeric nub*, minced
- 1 fresh ginger nub*, minced
- 2 satsuma oranges
- 2 lemon wheels
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 - 4 oz bourbon or whiskey
METHOD
Pour three cups of water into a large pan. Add allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, apple rings, turmeric, and ginger. Bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil until fragrant. Turn the heat to the lowest setting, add peel and juice from one satsuma. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of honey into each glass. Pour 1/2 cup of the spicy tea into each cup, stir to mix in the honey. Then add bourbon and the rest of the satsuma juice (about 1 tablespoon). Stir. ENJOY!
*By nub, I mean half a thumb. You can use a small grater for the ginger and turmeric. If you don't have fresh turmeric and ginger, you can try them in powder form!