Lavender-Lemon Hot Toddy

Lavender Hot Toddy in NesCafe castoff
cup from the yard sale of the fabulous
arteest, Tiffany O'Brien.

I love the term "hot toddy". It    sounds both comforting and a little bit naughty, which is apropos. It is very unfortunate, however, that I can no longer discuss a "hot toddy" without Usher's song getting stuck in my head. Traditionally, a hot toddy consists of brandy, rum or whiskey, hot water, sugar and spices and is great for a cold winter night. This version is non-alcoholic, but that doesn't take away any of its sparkle, as it features the super-star herb, lavender! It's a flower, it's an herb, it's one of my favorite colors, and it smells so wonderful you want to both eat it and take a bath in it. 

Now, if you can get past the imagery of drinking my bathwater, let me encourage you to try this soothing drink to warm your bones and ease your cough. It consists of soothing lavender, lemon and honey and healing green tea. I use Yogi green tea, mainly because I fell for their zen marketing and I can't resist the adorable little fortune cookie-like message dangling by a string from the tea bag. This recipe requires two tea bags. 

Today's Yogi Tea wisdom: 

"Your life is based on the capacity of energy in you, not outside of you." hmm.... kthanx.

and "If you don't love where you come from, you can't love where you are going." I like that and I can somewhat agree. I say remember the good and learn from the rest.

Now, on to hot toddy heaven. I discovered this gem at The Herb Companion.


Lavender-Lemon Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
2 c. water
juice of one fresh lemon
2 tbsp lavender buds (I save these from my garden and keep them in a tin of sugar, which favors the sugar for fab recipes like Lavender Frosted Brownies)
1 tsp ginger
1-2 tsp of local honey
2 green tea bags
1-2 crushed raw garlic cloves (optional, but recommended if you have a cold)

Bring all ingredients except the optional garlic to a boil, then steep for 5 minutes. If using garlic, place it in the bottom of a teacup or mug. Strain the brew and pour the mixture over the garlic.

Tips: Mincing or crushing the garlic releases its healing properties. Rub the lemon over your hands and utensils to remove the garlic odor.