Dr. Possum's Cold & Flu Remedy
Guaranteed to make you feel better ... or at least make you forget how bad you feel!

This is based on a colonial recipe - possibly even Benjamin Franklin's own recipe! - but I've adjusted it a bit.  Very soothing when you feel a cold coming on!

1/2 cup of brewed peppermint tea, brewed strong (I use mint rooibos, but grocery-store tea will do just fine).  Use a whole teabag, but just use half a cup of water, so the brew is strong.
1 1/2 cups honey
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cloves, lightly crushed (or 1/4 tsp ground cloves)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped (but 1/2 tsp ginger powder will do in a pinch)
1 quart brandy (the cheap stuff is fine) - buy a quart bottle and use it for the mixture

• While the tea is still hot, combine the tea and honey so the honey softens
• Add the spices, stir, and let the mixture come to room temperature
• When the mixture is cool, add the brandy and stir
• Use a funnel to put the mixture into a bottle that will seal (or that has a cork)
• Store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks, shaking occasionally
  
  
• After 2 weeks, pour the mixture through a strainer or sieve, to get out the larger chunks of ginger
• Pour into decorative bottles, or into a single quart bottle to keep for yourself

Store at cool room temperature, out of direct sunlight.