Ugh, it’s been dreary and rainy for the past few days. I have no idea how people manage to live in places like Seattle, which may be great in every way, but the weather would drive me nuts. I need sunshine, a lot of it. Why else would I live in Southern California? It certainly isn’t for the air quality, taxes, or hipster population. The only thing keeping me here is the weather (well, that and my husband). One positive side to the rain is that the months of accumulated dust gets rinsed from my car.
At any rate, the rain is making me stir crazy, and isn’t conducive to work. All I want to do is put on a fuzzy robe and slippers, mix up holiday cocktails, and decorate our place for Christmas (long time Cowardly Feminist readers will remember I’m one of those annoying fools that gets all Christmas-happy). I am, however, forcing myself to wait until December 1st before covering everything with tinsel.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t have a cocktail while I wait. And since I can’t seem to shake this stupid cold, I’ve been on a warm whiskey kick. This cocktail takes a bit of prep time, but the simple syrup will make several drinks, so it’s worth it.
The Cold Buster
- Rye Whiskey (I used Pritchard’s)
- honey
- fresh ginger
- lemon
Syrup: Slice one inch of ginger, paper-thing. In a small sauce pan, add one cup water to one cup honey and stir to dissolve, then bring to a gentle boil and add ginger. Simmer for several minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool. Transfer to container.
Cocktail: Pour 1 ½ oz rye whiskey into a mug, add 1 oz honey-ginger syrup and a squeeze of lemon to taste. Top with hot water. Enjoy!
*Side note to my husband – December 1st is tomorrow, buddy. You best prepare yo’self for some tree decorating.



