Today's raining weather makes me want to curl up on the sofa with a good book, a nice wood-burning fire and a hot toddy. It's the perfect timing since today is National Hot Toddy Day. Hot toddy's became popular sometime in the 18th century.

Below you'll find a recipe for an original hot toddy. Today it's not uncommon to serve a hot toddy made with coffee, cocoa or apple cider rather than tea. If you've caught that cold/flu that seems to be sweeping through the Chattahoochee Valley, add a couple cinnamon sticks and a few cloves, to clear your sinuses, relieve your headache and soothe that sore throat.

TRADITIONAL HOT TODDY

1 cup hot water

1 tea bag

1 oz brandy, whiskey or rum

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 lemon

Pour hot water in a coffee mug. Let tea bag steep in hot water two to three minutes. Remove tea bag and add alcohol, honey and lemon. Stir until honey is melted.