here’s my grandma’s:

Half a lemon

-Decent bourbon

-Honey (the little bear will do, although I like to get local honey as it has the added effect of helping against seasonal allergies where you might live)

-Boiling water

-A coffee mug

-A spoon

Set a pot to boil and give a good squeeze of honey into the cup. You can do more or less depending on your taste, I find that if you give the bottom of the mug a nice, smooth coat (maybe about a centimeter or two thick) it’s plenty. When the pot comes to a boil, fill the mug halfway with the boiling water. Then fill the remainder of the mug with bourbon. Take your half a lemon, give it a good squeeze over the top. Give it a good stir with a spoon, and enjoy.

A hot toddy made by my favorite bartender. A heavy shot of bourbon, juice of half a lemon, a packet of sugar steamed with an espresso machine and served in a brandy snifter. Put your face over it and inhale, then drink it slowly. You will feel instantly better and by the time you sober up, your cold is gone.

Slice 5 or 10 slivers off of a piece of ginger, boil them for a few minutes in enough water to fill a coffee cup. Strain and add juice from half a fresh squeezed lemon, a couple tablespoons of honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper. It usually helps clear my sinuses and congestion.