The Sunday Telegraph

SUSY ATKINS knows what her readers want at this time of year - plausible reasons to get outside some decent hooch. If you are in the grip of a horrible cold, a classic hot toddy does work wonders, she says. Its steam unblocks your nose, the sweetness provides an energy boost and the whiskey and spice have miraculous warming qualities.' And as the wife of an Irishman she loyally argues that the best hot toddies are made with Irish whiskey. However, she argues that the variation of using the Irish moonshine poitin (potcheen) instead of whiskey is controversial. The legal stuff is a clear, simple spirit, a lot like vodka, and though acceptable in a hot toddy lacks the colour and flavour of cask-aged whiskey.
She recommends Bushmills 10-Year-Old Irish Whiskey (24.99; Oddbins) and Powers Gold Label Whiskey (15.99; drinkfinder.co.uk).