Feel the Heat

If you're like a third of the people we know right now (ourselves included), you've got a cold. Although the medical community encourages increasing one's fluid intake when the plague sets in, it's unlikely that boozy drinks are on the list of approved beverages. Regardless, we've been craving warm, cozy drinks all week.

One of our neighbors swears by the hot toddy to cure a cold -- we haven't read any clinical studies, but it certainly will help you sleep at least as well as a dose of NyQuil:
1 tbsp honey
3/4 glass tea
2 shots brandy
1 slice lemon
Garnish with cloves and/or a cinnamon stick, if desired.

If that doesn't knock you out, try a mug of glögg. This Swedish holiday drink packs quite a wallop -- Saveur's recipe from Marcus Samuelsson includes red wine, port and vodka. Talk about your holiday cheer . . .

And finally, you might try a Tom and Jerry, a creamy concoction laced with run and brandy:
1 egg
1/2 oz simple syrup or 1 tsp powdered sugar
1 oz dark rum
1 oz Cognac or brandy
hot milk or hot water
grated nutmeg for garnish

Separate the egg white from the egg yolk and beat them separately. Fold the beaten eggs together and place into an Irish coffee glass. Add the sugar or simple syrup, dark rum and brandy. Fill with hot milk or hot water. Stir well. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

You might not beat that cold, but we guarantee you'll feel better after one of these drinks.