Cold season is upon us and no matter how much Vitamin C we consume, or what preventative steps we go through, it seems like that nasty cold still manages to find a way to creep in and take a hold of our bodies. It is believed and has been stated by many doctors that there is no cure for the common cold. However, there are many home remedies and over-the-counter drugs that have been created to relieve the symptoms of the cold. Almost everyone, their mother, and their mother’s mother, has their own special Cold Relief Cocktails that they guarantee will get us up and feeling better in no time. Well, I too have a few of my own, that have been tried, tested and approved by myself, some of my family and friends. I urge everyone to definitely use caution when mixing any kind of over-the-counter drug with alcohol, and to exercise moderation. If you’re sick you shouldn’t be driving, and if you’ve been drinking you shouldn’t even think about driving or operating machinery. This article is for responsible adults only!
The Hot TT
Almost everyone has heard of the Hot Toddy which is a hot tea with a shot of whiskey and maybe some lemon. I have my own version of this Cold Relief Cocktail called the Hot TT, which stands for Hot Tea and Tequila. It’s simple to make and relieves the common symptoms of a sore throat, cough, stuffy head and body aches. I prefer to use Celestial Seasons Tension Tamer tea, but that’s up to you. There are plenty of other brands that offer the same combination of Chamomile, Mint, Rosemary, Rose Hips, Catnip, etc. . . that are meant to soothe and calm the drinker. Boil some water, then carefully pour the water into a large tea or coffee mug. Add the chosen tea bag, add one shot of your favorite Tequila(I prefer Milagro), squeeze in half of a lime, and add two teaspoons of honey to sweeten, then stir well and enjoy.
The Hot T & A
This cocktail is much like the Hot TT, but has an added over-the-counter kick for the cold that is getting the best of you. Repeat all of the steps listed above for the Hot TT, then add two Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold effervescent tablets. If you do not like to mix alcohol and cold medicine together, you can choose to leave out the Tequila, but it hasn’t killed me yet, and it seems to magnify the relief.
The Hot Headed Cuban
Perhaps Tequila doesn’t mix well with you and you prefer Rum. The Hot Headed Cuban is a Cold Relief Cocktail that is derived from a combination of the Mojito and the Crazy Cuban. This cocktail is meant to relieve sore throat, stuffy head and nose, and body aches. This drink requires Mint tea(which ever you prefer). Boil some water, then carefully pour the water into a large tea or coffee mug, add the chosen tea bag, add one shot of your favorite Rum(mine is Bacardi 8 Años), add half a shot of Amaretto Disaronno, and squeeze in half of a lime, then stir well and, of course, enjoy!
The Crazy Cuban & His Little Friend
This cocktail is much like the Hot Headed Cuban but has an added over-the-counter kick for aches and pains related to the cold. Repeat all of the steps listed above for the Hot Headed Cuban, then add one BC powder packet, stir well, and drink. Of course, once again, if you do not like to mix alcohol with medicine you can always leave out the Rum and Amaretto, but it hasn’t killed me yet.
Hummer
A Hummer is not actually a cocktail, it is a cocktail addition. You can add it to any of these drinks to help relieve a severe sore throat. It’s very simple. . . just add a lemon flavored throat lozenge to one of the cocktails above and let the cocktail sit for about 2 minutes. Drink the cocktail, then suck the lozenge. When you add the lozenge, just add the name of Hummer to the title of the cocktail. Example: The Hot T & A with a Hummer, The Hot TT with a Hummer, etc. . .
All of these cocktails may not cure the common cold, but they definitely relieve some of the nasty symptoms that go along with the cold, and do so with good flavor. If used in moderation, these drinks will get you feeling better soon enough. Don’t be afraid to come up with and experiment with your own cocktails. Just remember to consult with a pharmacist first, if you are planning on using over-the-counter or prescribed drugs. . . and if all else fails, get some rest!
