I rarely get sick. Even when I do, I insist on still living my life, hoping that the “plow through it” attitude will scare away whatever germs are in my system. In the mid 1990’s, I showed up one night to my bowling league sick as a dog. The bartender, who was both a listener and knew me as a regular customer, made for me what he called a “hot rock n’ rye.” Not only did it soothe my throat, but I swear that it provided medicinal healing. I have used it ever since as part of my regiment anytime I think I may be getting sick.

Serve in a 16 ounce glass

3 ounces Rock N rye (Hiram walker makes it, as do many others. It is usually found in liquor stores or section near the schnapps and flavored brandy) 
½ one fresh lemon
Boiling hot water, preferably steeped in a hot kettle

1. Pour 2 ounces of rock n rye in bottom of glass

2. Extract the juice of the lemon half into the glass, discarding seeds. Place juiced lemon half in bottom of glass as well

3. Fill glass with hot water and stir. Sip while hot to warm, never allowing beverage to cool. Each time you fill your glass, repeat steps and add another half lemon.