Its triple blend complexity makes it perfect for a hot toddy, giving you a balanced and smooth drink to soothe your throat. Clove:Clove is used for upset stomachand as an expectorant. Expectorants make it easier to coughup phlegm. Make two hot toddies, one with vinegar and the other without. Then taste the difference. I’m betting you’ll prefer the one with vinegar.

Though one story about the toddy is that it was invented by 18th-century Scottish doctors as a medicament, she writes, in fact the drink was invented to disguise the flavor of raw Scotch. “Sugar, dates, saffron, mace, nuts and cinamon were piled on to hide the foul taste,” she writes. Hot toddies were invented to help fend off the cold weather, but they became a popular remedy to fend off symptoms of winter colds and flu. ( Just like these comfort foods!) Is your favorite hot toddy recipe for a cold actually doctor-approved? The answer appears to be yes. What’s in a hot toddy?

Lemons and Oranges: They are an excellent source of vitamin C, soluble fibers, and plant compounds, all of which can provide health benefits.

Cinnamon:Cinnamon contains large amounts of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants. Some studies show that the antioxidants in cinnamon have potent anti-inflammatory activity. Another thing to consider is to buy a shrub and add that — we likePok Pok’s shrubs a lot.Others suggest Inna Shrub and The Hudson Standard Shrub — they are all really well reviewed. Unlike animals, humans do not produce their own vitamin C. We need to take in a sufficient amount of vitamin C to keep our immune system running properly. The stress of illness requires an even higher amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is anti-viral and anti-bacterial

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Hot toddies are lovely slow sippers or night caps. Mara says they’re perfect for playing cards with the family. You could offer a hot toddy bar at your holiday party this year. I love that idea! Alcohol:Alcohol can be good for a cold. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels, easing congestion and inducing sleep when used in moderation. Recent studies have shown the significant impacts of alcohol on bacteria in our bodies. One study found that moderate wine drinkers are at a reduced risk of the ulcer and gastric-cancer-causing bacteria Helicobacter pylori. The hot toddy with tea is simply an excellent natural remedy for easing cold symptoms. It's not a cure, but if I'm going to relieve cold symptoms, a hot toddy tea does this quite nicely.

That said, the Mayo Clinic points out that alcohol has a dehydrating effect. It’s best to drink in moderation, especially while nursing a cold or flu. Here are the best and worst drinks for hydration. Add spices for even more health benefitsThis hot toddy strikes a great balance in terms of baking spice additions, finishing with a little heat (spicy on top of warm temperature). If you’re feeling experimental, try throwing some nutmeg or even a little red pepper in the mix. Since we don’t make our own shrubs at home (yet), we thought adding a little splash of apple cider vinegar just might work. It did. So well in fact that we think you shouldtry it yourself. Yes, Scotch is good for a hot toddy, just like any other whiskeys. Some people claim that Scottish whiskeys (not bourbon) make a classic hot toddy, perfect for a rainy or cold night. Take 2 scoops of whole cloves and ground cinnamon, tie together in a muslin cloth or herbal tea bag and simmer in hot water. Pro Tip No. 2: Use premium loose leaf tea and let the tea leaves steep freely in the water or a strainer. Don't stuff the leaves into a tea ball or the like. The leaves need to open up to infuse their full flavor. Benefits of Hot Toddy