Trish's Winter Elixir

I came across this recipe a few years back and started drinking it in the winter to ward off any winter ailments. Over the years, I've tweaked (some might say, improved!) the recipe. I also have a couple of variants, depending on who I'm serving it to. But either way, there's a serious amount of goodness packed in. Great to keep the colds away and if one somehow manages to take hold, this should lift you up.

It'll warm the cockles of your heart and it might even add a spring to your step.

Main ingredients:

Ginger - a good 2-3 inches, roughly chopped

Cinnamon sticks

Star Anise or Licorice Root (if you can get your hands on it)

Sage, Thyme

Juice of half a large lemon

Honey - 2 tablespoons (to taste)

Slice of lemon with cloves (to serve)

Substitutes:

The Virgin Elixir - 30ml Apple Cider Vinegar

The Irish Elixir - a generous 30ml of Irish Whiskey 

How to:

Throw everything, except the honey & lemon into a pot of water and bring it to the boil. Once it reaches boiling, turn the heat down and leave to simmer for 20 mins. Enjoy the wholesome scent wafting through your home. When you're fnished simmering, take your elixir off the heat and stir in the honey and lemon. 

Then it's decision time. Add your apple cider or your Irish whiskey and serve piping hot. If you're using whiskey, don't be afraid to wet your fingers as you pour, it'll really give that cold a run for it's money.

Pierce your lemon slice with some whole cloves and add it to your elixir for the final touch. Enjoy!