The tradition of spiced and heated wine dates back to ancient Rome where it was used to preserve wine as well as fight the cold. This practice spread across Europe during the Middle Ages, evolving into the festive drink we still love today. The rich, spiced aromatic  mulled wine is  symbolic to making merry and holiday spirit.

Ingredients: 

• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml) 
• 1 sliced orange 
• Zest of 1 orange
• ⅔ cup honey
• ¼ cup brandy
• 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5-7 whole cloves
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• Few strands of Rosemary

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan.
2. Cook the wine for about 15 minutes until steaming.
3. Remove form stove before boil and let it rest to infuse for half an hour to be perfectly flavoured.
4. Warm and ladle it carefully into mugs without the whole spices.
5. Garnish with orange slices and Rosemary

The classic hot toddy is my favourite home remedy for sore throat or cold. But you don’t need to be under the weather to enjoy this traditional cocktail. Cheer up your winter evenings all through the season.

Ingredients: 

• 1½ ounces whiskey
• ¾ cup hot water
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 lemon round
• 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 Anise

Method:

1. Boil water in a kettle or on stove
2. Pour hot water, whiskey, lemon juice and honey in a mug and stir well till honey dissolves.
3. Taste and adjust the sweet and sour balance to taste.
4. Garnish with lemon slice and spices