I am a big fat weenie when it comes to cold weather.  I would never survive a winter in the north. I barely survive the two months out of the year here in Louisiana that get cold.  And this week has been one of those dreary and cold weeks.  The sky is grey, the air is damp, and I'm under a blanket with not so attractive house shoes on while I sit here and write. Our house is built off the ground and it doesn't keep heat well and sometimes I feel like I can't get warm, no matter how many layers I put on.  There are only two things that help that situation...a hot bath or a hot toddy. I think we'll go with a hot toddy... My kumquat hot toddy will warm you up and will also help fight off any yucky winter colds that might be trying to attack.

I love a good excuse to drink a cocktail and you can basically talk yourself into this one by justifying the fact that it truly will help kick those scratchy throats to the curb.  I drink them whether I am sick or not during the winter months because there is something so soothing about drinking this warm mug full of goodness. 

Don't worry if you have no idea what a kumquat is...it's a tiny little cute thing that resembles the taste of an orange but with a little more sour added in.  You can eat the skins and all and it's the perfect twist on an original hot toddy recipe.  They grow all over on trees here in Louisiana, but if you can't find them or don't like them just swap them for satsumas or regular oranges.  Both would work beautifully.  But how cute are the kumquats?  And you get to say kumquat, which is pretty fun.  Kind of sounds like a name you would call someone..."you are being such a kumquat."  No?  (I may or may not be laughing out loud...to myself right now.)

I'll be sipping on this while I watch Parenthood tonight if you are wondering how my night is going to play out.  Speaking of, do you watch Parenthood?  It's only my favorite show on television and the only show where I laugh my butt off and ugly cry in the same episode.  I know I sidetracked there, but it's the last season of the show EVER and I'm not sure how I feel about not being able to watch it next year.  Good thing I have hot toddies to look forward to.

If you are freezing your butt off somewhere, then you need to make this tonight and warm up that body of yours.

Ingredients:

• 8 Kumquats, cut in half
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 10 Whole Cloves
• 5 Cups of Water
• 5 Oz. Brandy or Whiskey (I used Brandy)
• 3 Tbsp. Honey

Directions:

• Heat your water, kumquats, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pan on the stove and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Strain your spiced kumquat mixture, and add your honey.  Stir until dissolved.
• Place an ounce of brandy in each mug and pour the spiced mixture on top an stir.
• Serve immediately.

*This makes 4-5 Servings depending on your mug size.  If you are solo drinking, just save the extra spiced mixture in an airtight container or a mason jar and simply reheat throughout the week.

You know before cough syrup was so readily available this is probably what our grandparents used as real cold medicine...so I think that means we can drink them as often as we want.  

Don't ya think?  Stay warm and cozy out there today y'all.  Cheers!