On a trip to Russia in December, I fell horribly ill. Coughing felt like daggers in my chest. My nose ran like a child's and froze in the most unattractive way before I could pry my stiff hand from my thick glove to blow it. I was beyond miserable. But the bright side to this stormy story is that I learned of the beautiful healing power of the hot booze.
It was a concoction of milk, butter, honey and vodka. I drank it down reluctantly—I was only 20 and my mother was watching. But Russian drinking age applied and I sipped it down without motherly objections. Not only was it delicious, but it cured me. Not "masked my symptoms and knocked me out", but actually cured me.
Since then I've been a staunch believer in—and advocate for—the hot toddy. I have even been known to feign a cough to justify drinking the stuff.
Here are a few spots for curative concoctions when you feel a cough coming on:
The hot toddy at Sandrina's here is basic: bourbon, water, lemon, and honey. Simple but classic, you can't go wrong. 5098 Aresenal, 314-601-3456, www.sandrinasstl.com
The cocktail aficionado's wonderland, Absolutli Goosed, offers a make-your-own martini menu and whips up to-die-for pumpkin martinis in the fall. But their belly-warming spiked cider with cure your ills and make you right as rain. 3196 S. Grand, 314-771-9300, www.absolutligoosed.com
For a tender tummy, try the Ginger Hot Toddy at this Clayton hotspot Katie's Pizzeria. 6611 Clayton Rd., 314-727-8585, www.katiespizzeria.com
Sister spots, Lazy River Grill and Yellowstone Cafe have an entire menu of hot booze-infused drinks which include flavors like gooey butter cake, Snickers and peppermint patties.
