'Stiff' drinking potions to cure a sore throat

"A good gulp of hot whiskey at bedtime—it's not very scientific, but it helps." — Alexander Fleming, inventor of penicillin.

Traditional tonics for common cold — cognac, brandy, whiskey, and gin are (hic) wellknown. When added to a hot cocktail, the full-bodied decoction provides full-body nourishment as the health benefits of commonly used fruits and spices are aplenty. Such drinks are high in nutrients and rich in calories, antioxidants, and medicinal properties. For instance, cinnamon decreases swelling and headaches, repairs skin tissue, and controls blood pressure because of its antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg clears toxins from the liver and kidneys. Ginger soothes inflamed sinuses and cleanses the system. Orange, lemon and honey, bearers of Vitamin C, build immunity and repair tissue. Red wine, when had in moderation, reduces cardiovascular disease, clogged arteries, and signs of ageing. Its antioxidants up good cholesterol levels and bone mineral density.

Besides, that fuzzy feeling of cupping a steaming glass, serenaded by the aroma of alcohol and spices, feeling the vapour open your nose and throat, and watching the condensation stay on the glass, can be soothing on a cold winter's night. It's also the familiar model of a motley of Indian spices into one hot drink, reminiscent of masala chai, that makes hot cocktails work well with the Indian palate. The drinks, say mixologists, are meant to be had individually or with foods that don't have overpowering flavours. Unless in extremely cold places, make sure the alcoholic brew is not heated beyond the boiling point to prevent it from turning carcinogenic. Slow cooking allows the spices to extract the essence and blend with citrus shards and liquor. And you'll need to down at least a couple of glasses before you feel the effect. Here are a few brews that this writer tried-and-tested on a sore throat that also succeeded in warming her soul:

Monsoon special

Hot water infused with honey, basil, ginger shard, lemon slice and dark rum go into making the Monsoon Special. A chunky cinnamon stick works as the stirrer, gradually intensifying the aroma. The cocktail instantly awakens olfactory senses with its distinct aroma.
Available at: The Sassy Spoon in New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune

Mcpherson's potion

When ginger, star anise, cloves, basil, orange and lemon peels come together in hot water before taking in a double shot of Jim Beam bourbon whisky, mint,
thyme and half an orange wheel embedded with torched cloves, it works like a magic potion that unclogs jammed nostrils and makes the eyes water. Its mild taste though does little for the throat.
Available at: Theory, Mumbai

Veda

A 220ml decoction made from freshly ground turmeric is an ode to grandmother's haldi chai to slay the common cold. Ginger, cinnamon and turmeric are simmered for 10 minutes in hot water before adding a shot of Red Label whisky, basil, and star anise. The result: Spiced tones and sweet notes from the whisky variant combine with turmeric's earthy texture to linger in the throat. After a while, you experience clear breathing.
Available at: Theory, Mumbai

Mulled wine

Made from spices and red wine, this Christmas special beverage is considered to be far healthier than the holiday specials eggnog and hot chocolate. There are many variants of mulled wine, two of which are listed below:

1. The medium-bodied Fratelli Cabarnet Savigon is enriched with Indian spices. Orange juice, orange zest and apple slices add a tinge of sweet without making it too tart before it is finished with spiced Old Monk. The drink isn't too strong or heavy, and goes gingerly down the throat.
Available at: The Sassy Spoon, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi

2. A fruity South African Shiraz with clove, cinnamon, star anise, a dash of sugar and 2-3 basil leaves are heated above the boiling point and allowed to cool and settle for 24 hours. It is reheated for 15 minutes before serving and comes garnished with crushed raisins, toasted cloves and an orange wheel. Works like magic.
Available at: Ricks Bar, The Taj Mahal Hotel (Delhi)

Mulled Apple Cider

This concoction is light on the spice, but generous with the apples. The apples completely break down as they simmer in water with star anise, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and honey for six hours. Apple slices and a cinnamon stick garnish the drink. The moderately sweet flavour and lukewarm temperature make you gulp down the drink, generating warmth in the body.
Available at: The Sassy Spoon, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi

Hot toddy

There's nothing shoddy about this hot toddy. Cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are dry roasted to release flavour into the boiling water they are added to, along with ginger, cranberry, and apple juice. Brandy, honey, and slices of orange and apple complete the drink into exactly what the doctor ordered. The bamboo tumbler it's served in retains the drink's temperature, even as its narrow mouth ensures that ingredients such as bits of star anise and cloves enter the mouth with each sip. Its fruity aroma is a treat for the olfactory senses.
Available at: All Socials in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi