Herbal Hot Toddy Mocktail

This deliciously famous Scottish cocktail that is reputedly enjoyed under the guise of a “cold weather pick-me-up,” has many variations but it is always served hot, spiced, with honey and some type of juice. We have adapted the recipe to create a healthful non-alcoholic version that is far more beneficial for helping our bodies cope with cold weather.

Ayurveda and other holistic medicine systems say that we experience discomfort with cold when we are living out of harmony with our nature. We tend to push through the external and view the cold as an inconvenience but perhaps your body wants you to look at your lifestyle and slow down a bit. Your body’s reaction to cold involves some element of kapha dosha if there is mucus and congestion; kapha is said to be slow, cold and moist and difficult to shift if there is stagnation. The antidote is to use remedies that have the opposite qualities such as those which bring warmth and stimulation: Holy basil, ginger, cinnamon, honey and lemon have been used forever for these conditions. Bringing in warm, spiced broths and herbs that share these properties will help you in the mending process. In the meantime, it is best to rest, breathe and honor the body’s intelligence while you enjoy this herbal mocktail.*

This recipe makes two servings.

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp Ginger c/s

1 Cinnamon stick (optional)^

1 tsp Licorice c/s

1 tbsp Passionflower c/s

1 tbsp Holy Basil c/s

1 tsp Marshmallow powder (optional)^

Honey to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

½ cup of tart cherry juice

1 serving (three half-droppers) CountToZen™

INSTRUCTIONS

Add 2½ cups water to a pan with the ginger (and cinnamon)
Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes
Turn off the heat and add the remaining herbs. Stir and cover and infuse for 5 minutes
Strain, cool slightly and add the honey, lemon and tart cherry juices and CountToZen™
Drink and rest
Repeat… every hour if you wish

^There is an option to add marshmallow to balance the cleansing effect from the lemon. In some people the licorice is sufficient to soothe the harshness of the lemon on the throat, but if you have a drier constitution, the marshmallow is a perfect addition. Conversely, the cinnamon is a good choice if there is a tendency for mucus.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.