On a recent trip to Garmisch-Partenkirschen, the lovely Bavarian alpine town just south of Munich, we stumbled across a small and unassuming cafe slightly off the beaten track. The young Bavarian waitress wanted to know if we cared to try the local speciality, Heisse Ingo (hot ginger) which we certainly did. Apparently it’s a local favourite with ski bums and locals alike and it was obvious why that was so.

Hot and spicy, it was the perfect remedy for our frozen hands and bodies and we could feel ourselves warming up almost instantly. In addition, it was also jam-packed with lemon and mint with just a hint of honey. Lemon being a powerful anti-oxidant and ginger a fantastic anti-inflammatory, this drink was practically health in a glass. Next time you feel a cold or flu coming on this is a much better alternative to something artificial and chemical like Lemsip. Make sure the piece of ginger is generous (ours was at least a thumbs length) and add as much lemon and mint as you like – think of it as a mojito for the slopes. And you certainly do not need to be in the Alps to enjoy this drink, it works just as well at home. Here’s how.

Hot Ingo

1 generous chunk of ginger (3-4 inches – cut in half)

2 sprigs of mint

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp of honey (more if you like)

Freshly boiled waster

Infuse all ingredients for a couple of minutes – then drink and enjoy! Happy warm Tuesday X