Cinnamon sticks are often used to garnish a hot punch.
A hot punch is a beverage often associated with relieving the symptoms of a cold or sore throat. It is a spirit drink with an added sweetener such as honey or sugar. In addition to being used for medicinal purposes, toddy can also be used to help a person relax at night. It is also used when people have been exposed to cold weather or have had a shock to the system.
Hot punches are often seasoned with cloves.
There are various accounts of the origins of hot punch. Popular thought holds that this drink came from Great Britain via India. In India, the juice of certain palm trees was called tari. This juice has been made into a dark and sweet alcoholic beverage. The English in India replicated the drink using spices, fruit, and alcohol and introduced it to Britain.
Hot toddy has been used to relieve sore throats.
Variations on the drink itself are plentiful. The main alcohol used is usually some form of whisky, but different types of alcohol are accepted. Hot punch can be used to relax after a shock, and this effect is mostly achieved with alcohol.
A hot punch can also be used to relax a person before going to bed, and this is also achieved by the effect of alcohol on the body. The alcohol is mixed with hot water and a sweet substance like sugar or honey. If you have a sore throat, the honey will coat your throat and stop the irritation. Alcohol will also have a calming effect that will help the person sleep.
A warm punch can be used as a sleep aid.
This drink has long been used as an inexpensive home medicine. If you look at the ingredients in many cough mixes, you will notice that alcohol is one of the main ingredients used. Alcohol is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and has an analgesic effect. Citrus fruits are also often used in toddies. The vitamins in citrus are believed to help fight the common cold.
Spices are another additive used to make hot toddy. Cinnamon and cloves are very popular as a way to add extra flavor to the drink. The main liquid in a hot punch is usually hot water, but variations include lemonade, cider, tea, and coffee.
Citrus fruits are often included in toddies.
Once the hot punch is heated and mixed, it remains only to drink it. Some people claim that drinking slowly has a more beneficial and comforting effect. Others claim that taking the drink in one gulp gives the system a shock which is helpful if taken after a shock. Of course, the amount of alcohol used is the main factor in determining whether the drink is relaxing or stimulating to the system.