Head Cleaner

Take a Deep Breath

With colds, the flu, and even pneumonia flying around town, our pals are lying low this week. We got away easy with a little head stuffiness.

To breathe easier, we tried a variety of home remedies, from hot Earl Grey tea with honey to steaming Vietnamese soup Pho to this delicious, bright cocktail made with ginger wine.

Here's to your health, salud!

Happy Hour Idea #42: Drink Inspiration Not sure which interesting drink to serve? Start with an inventory of the ingredients you have locally or in the house. We happened to have vodka and ginger wine. Then flip through your cocktail books or magazines for drinks that fit. You may discover something very new! What's your favorite drink when you're feeling down? Tell us on Facebook or Tweet it to us.

Head Cleaner (adapted from recipe in The Cocktail: 200 Fabulous Drinks by Jane Rocca) 2 oz. vodka juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 oz) 1/2 oz ginger wine (ginger flavored currant wine; we found it at BevMo in the "other" wine section) 1/2 oz vanilla syrup (here's how to make vanilla syrup) Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

CAUTION: For some reason, alcohol can make your nose even more stuffy, like, totally stuffed so you can't sleep without getting white pasty mouth syndrome. And it's really not a good idea to mix cold medications, antibiotics, or any other medication with alcohol. So if you do try the Head Cleaner, be sure you're not really all that sick. A little mental is ok.

Copyright © 2009, Pybop, LLC (for thursdayhappyhour.com). All rights reserved. Questions? Happy hour ideas? Chat with us on Twitter: @thurshappyhour.

Happy Hour Idea #42: Drink Inspiration Not sure which interesting drink to serve? Start with an inventory of the ingredients you have locally or in the house. We happened to have vodka and ginger wine. Then flip through your cocktail books or magazines for drinks that fit. You may discover something very new! What's your favorite drink when you're feeling down? Tell us on Facebook or Tweet it to us.

Head Cleaner (adapted from recipe in The Cocktail: 200 Fabulous Drinks by Jane Rocca) 2 oz. vodka juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 oz) 1/2 oz ginger wine (ginger flavored currant wine; we found it at BevMo in the "other" wine section) 1/2 oz vanilla syrup (here's how to make vanilla syrup) Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

CAUTION: For some reason, alcohol can make your nose even more stuffy, like, totally stuffed so you can't sleep without getting white pasty mouth syndrome. And it's really not a good idea to mix cold medications, antibiotics, or any other medication with alcohol. So if you do try the Head Cleaner, be sure you're not really all that sick. A little mental is ok.

Copyright © 2009, Pybop, LLC (for thursdayhappyhour.com). All rights reserved. Questions? Happy hour ideas? Chat with us on Twitter: @thurshappyhour.

Comments

[Unomos]

This seems like it would really stuff you up. I know a remedy that has been passed down through generations of Mexicans (my friends recommendation), rub tequila all over your body. Although I haven't tried it, it is commonly practiced in Mexico.

As for me, I have tried drinking some blanco tequila when I am sick and it has seemed to always make me feel better. I do like to drink it outside in the cold to prevent uber-stuffiness. Tequila also helps with digestion, and is a great tasting medicine!

When are we reviewing some tequilas together?

Cheers,
Hansen

[Wendy]

I'm not sure ginger wine is my favorite...