Drink Review: Hot Toddies

The late winter is the best time for the hot, spirit-based toddy – better than autumn, when I prefer to brew up a warm cider and calvados cup, and certainly more than at Christmas, the season of mulled wine.

But now, on a dark, dank night, or after a frosty walk, and most definitely for those with a cold, dispense a tumbler containing a steamy shot of heated spirit, spice and sweetness.

The classic hot toddy is, of course, Irish whiskey-based. My recipe is 30ml straight into a thick glass, with 100ml very hot water, a couple of cloves, half a teaspoon of demerara sugar and a slice of lemon. Inhale the scented vapours while sipping. (Add a 25ml shot of ginger wine for extra soothing, peppery warmth.)

I've got other takes on the hot toddy. Some ingredients – oranges, cherries, brandy, rum, fruity liqueurs – lend themselves to being heated. Try warming 60ml each of orange liqueur (I use Grand Marnier) and rum in a small pan, adding 100ml fresh orange juice, four star anise and a sliver of orange zest (for two people). Stir and keep warm for a few minutes before serving, so the spice and zest infuse.

Or combine 50ml cherry cordial, 100ml brandy (cognac or armagnac) and 100ml water, heat gently in a pan, with six cloves and a broken cinnamon stick. Let the spices infuse, then pour into two glasses, with the cinnamon and cloves, and serve.

Never boil these drinks or the alcohol will waft away. And that's definitely not the idea behind the hot toddy.

TRY THESE...

Blossom Cottage Morello Cherry Cordial, Bottle Green, Gloucestershire (Sainsbury's, £2.20 for 50cl)

Very sweet indeed, but a judicious splash enlivens a hot brandy no end, and cherry works beautifully with clove and cinnamon.

Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, France (widely available, from £16.85 for 50cl)

Use this classic orange liqueur (an alternative is Cointreau) to add citrus-sweet, juicy depths to a hot toddy. Chimes in well with cloves, cinnamon and star anise.

Stone's Original Green Ginger Wine, London (widely available, from £4.65 for 70cl)

I add a slug of this intense, warming elixir to lots of hot and cold winter drinks, but especially to anything whisky-based, as the two have a great affinity.

TIPPLE TIP a rip-roaring rioja...

'The search for a great-value, rich and satisfying red for long evenings has unearthed Tiers 2 Rioja Crianza 2008, Spain (Asda, £6.97), an extraordinary bargain, with lovely hints of vanilla, wood-spice and black cherry. Match with roast lamb or beef and venison casseroles'