Back in my sporting days, I used hit the ski slopes occasionally, and at times I very nearly enjoyed it. Unfortunately there were a few incidents – a run in with some ski-wees (NOT my fault), several round trips on the lift (one gets to talking and sharing a nip…), and that final, unforgettable run down the Grand Prix trail and straight through the lodge. These things happen.

In any case, it’s been some time since I hung up my skis, well actually set fire to them in a fit of pique, but that’s a story for another day. Nonetheless, there are certain trappings of the sport for which I maintain a girlish enthusiasm. I’m talking, of course, about furry après-ski boots, lodge bars and hot whiskey.

We used to ski with a bunch of Irish friends back in the day, and it was from them I learned how to make this wonderful drink/miracle drug. It’s cures everything from snakebite to a runny nose to a broken leg. If it doesn’t cure you, the combination of boiling water and Irish whiskey renders you too pleasantly inebriated to really give a shite. And of course the fresh citrus makes it what we call a health drink in my house. Trust me, you’ll never gag down a lid full of NyQuil again. Not unless the liquor cabinet’s empty anyway.

So here you go.

Hot Whiskey

• Take an eighth of a fresh lemon and stick three or four whole cloves in it.
• Drop the lemon in a mug (Tea cup? you ask. No. A big ass mug.)
• Add Irish whiskey (never Scotch or bourbon). I like a double shot of Jameson, but have been known to add a triple or substitute Black Bush in an emergency.
• Fill with boiling water.
• Some sissies I know also put honey in, but I reserve this for sore throat cures only.

Climb into bed and sip until Mr. Sandman comes ‘a calling, you pass out, or both.