Winter is upon us, dear friends, and if you live in a cold region like I do, staying warm and healthy is vital to navigating the winter season successfully.

Sometimes, you get knocked down. When that pesky cold and cough come around, and you need some good rest, look no further than a piping hot Hot Toddy and your favorite blanket and book. Then, catch some much needed Zzzzs.

There are many variations of the recipe for a Hot Toddy. I am going to share my recipe for a "Niigata Hot Toddy" today, and I hope you will share your recipes as well, in the comments section.

Traditionally, the drink includes bourbon, whisky, rum (or other liquor of choice), honey, lemon, spices, and cinnamon.

What I find most fascinating is that this recipe transforms my run-of-the-mill Suntory (a quality budget whisky) into a more Scotch-y tasting blend (perhaps it's the cinnamon?)

It honestly tastes like LaPhroaig when all is said and done, which is my favorite Scotch.

Let's get started. What you'll need:

• A mug
• Whisky (preferably Suntory)
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• A high-quality herbal cough drop
• Hot water
• A spoon/mixer

Let's mix ' er up!

1. Put your herbal cough drop in the cup.
   

2. Add yer hooch (depending on how you feel, about 1/3 of the cup does the trick. If you feel real shit, just dump 'er in until you feel happy about it).
   

3. Add a few shakes of cinnamon.
   

4. One big spoonful of honey will do it.
   

5. Add your boiling water.
   

6. Mix.
   

7. Find a nice warm spot and....Drink! :)
   

Thanks so much for joining me today, fellow imbibers! Be sure to share your recipes in the comments!!!

---

Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist and artist residing in Niigata, Japan.