The honey really soothes the throat (read this article) and the whiskey knocks you right out. I like to use a bourbon whiskey like Maker's Mark, since it is sweeter than a Scotch whiskey. This fennel and lavender variation was inspired by a fennel cocktail that I had at Osteria Mozza. The licorice flavor of the fennel seeds balances the sweetness from the honey and the bourbon quite well. The calming lavender sets the sleepy time mood. Try it if you're feeling under the weather, and even if you're not. It's also good preventative medicine IMO. Here's the recipe:Place the fennel and lavender in a mortar and pestle. Bruise the seeds and lavender so that they will release more flavor. Place a shot of bourbon in each mug and set aside. Bring the water to a boil and add two slices of lemon, the honey, and the bruised fennel and lavender. Let it boil for a minute and then turn the heat down to low so it can steep for about five more minutes. Once it's done steeping, strain the liquid into the mugs with bourbon. Taste for sweetness. Add more honey accordingly and garnish with a slice of lemon and a few dried fennel seeds.
6 Comments
Purplesque
03 Feb 2008 01:02 pm
[this is good] Mm..what a perfect recipe. Makes me wish we had some bourbon in the house.
sutherland
03 Feb 2008 10:02 pm
[this is good] My high school neighbored several bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. Driving by Maker’s Mark, reminded me of a nice warm bowl of oatmeal swimming in brown sugar and maple syrup.
Olivia
04 Feb 2008 07:02 am
I’m a huge fan of home remedies. I’ll definitely add this to my medicinal recipe list! All the ingredients sounds extremely soothing and resorative! Thanks for sharing!
julie
04 Feb 2008 04:02 pm
julie
04 Feb 2008 04:02 pm
Sutherland… I’m so jealous that you grew up around SEVERAL bourbon distilleries. I can only imagine how much fun you had in high school.
You’re welcome, Olivia! I’m trying to be more diligent about writing down recipes, so hopefully there will be more to come.
Andrea Lin
09 Feb 2008 08:02 pm
Love the fennel…. still not there with the lavender. However, its not as bad as rose essence for me yet. First/last time I had rose dessert at an Afghani restaurant I thought I was eating a bowl of lotion. Blech.
But I’ve had lavender with duck and its an interesting pairing…. I should explore it more.
Thanks for adding me to your neighborhood, and great posts!
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