The Hotty Totty

This entry is geared for the at-home drink slinger or the bartender with a night off. Given the title, it's probably not what you think (unless the photo gives it away).

Hotty Toddy, you say? Ole Miss? Nope. Scarlett Johansson? Negative ghost rider (but we can talk about Ms. Johansson if you want to). What we are talking about is a classic Hot Toddy with the variation of adding a tea bag/sachet. A Hot tea Toddy…get it?

My tea of choice is Chamomile, because the Hotty is an integral part of my bedtime ritual. Which tea you use is entirely up to you, depending on mood, occasion or simply personal preference.

If you're interested in the origins of the Hot Toddy, feel free to research it at your leisure. You can draw your own opinion, choosing from amongst Indian, Scottish or Irish birthplaces. Whatever the case may be...I'm a Toddy devotee. I also happen to make a damn good Hotty, so for quick reference I've included the preparation, particular ingredients and amounts that I utilize. I'd also like to point out some of the potential benefits gained from knocking back a Hotty Toddy per day:

1. Bourbon.

2. Quality sleep. It's a hot (duh) soothing, aromatic drink. Just the act of whiffing it and then taking that first sip is relaxing and puts one in a somnolent state of mind. The addition of Chamomile gives it a pleasant, flowery scent along with the benefits of a natural sleep aid. Chamomile is also reputed to have multitudinous health benefits. Feel free to research that.

3. Breathe freely. The passageways through which I draw breath are clear, even though I reside in one of the most notorious allergy hotspots in the country: the Ohio River Valley. The theory is that upon using local honey, you are essentially innoculating yourself from allergy inducing pollens by intaking said pollens via bee spit/vomit/regurgitations (depending on who you ask). Along with a host of other reputed health benefits that we won’t get into here.

4. Vitamin C. No denying that lemon juice has loads of it. Along with a plethora of other additional health benefits. But…not here.

5. Bourbon. And lastly, but not least of all...it's another vehicle for bourbon consumption, as if we needed an excuse. And if your day grated on you a bit, it will help smooth out those rough edges. Along with the pantload of health benefits that bourbon has...just kidding.

6. The Recipe. My standard recipe for an 8 oz (in your very favorite 10 oz. or larger mug) serving is 1.5 oz local (this will differ by locality) honey, .5 oz freshly squeezed organic lemon juice, 2 oz Old Forester 86, one pouch Bigelow Chamomile tea and 4 oz. boiling hot water (a tea kettle comes in very handy here).

7. The Preparation. Add the honey, lemon juice and bourbon to your mug. Then VERY CAREFULLY add your BOILING HOT water. Stir all ingredients well. When you’re done with the stir, gently add the tea bag, then cap your mug with a saucer or coaster to preserve heat (If you have a fancy mug with a lid, then you're already set). Let it steep for 2 minutes.

8. Okay, two minutes is up. Remove tea bag, garnish with cloves, cinnamon stick or lemon peel if that’s your thing and enjoy your Hottie.

9. A Last Thing. Well, actually two things, that pair exceedingly well with a Hotty Toddy: dark chocolate and a good book. And of course that special someone next to you, but that's a given, right? I hope you made two servings.

10. Wait....did I list bourbon twice??

Cheers my friends...