Hot Toddy with Whisky and Honey

Bring water to a boil in a kettle and prepare four thick-walled mugs or heatproof glasses suitable for hot drinks. A preheated vessel is the first key to a great warm cocktail.

Rinse the mugs with hot water to warm them, then pour it out. A preheated mug keeps the drink hot longer and prevents the glass from cracking on contact with boiling liquid.

Squeeze the juice from one lemon (about 60 ml) and cut another lemon into four thin slices to use as a garnish on the rim of each glass.

Place 2 cloves and a piece of cinnamon stick in each warm mug so the drink takes on a spiced aroma and flavor.

Pour 50 ml of Scotch whisky into each mug and add 1 heaping tablespoon of honey. Stir the honey into the whisky until fully dissolved.

Add 15 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice to each mug to balance the sweetness of the honey and complement the whisky.

Top each mug with about 150 ml of hot water (slightly below boiling, let it cool for a moment) so the alcohol does not evaporate and the flavor stays full.

Stir gently with a spoon to combine all the ingredients and let the spices begin releasing their aroma.

Hang a lemon slice on the rim of each mug and garnish with a star anise, or let a cinnamon stick protrude as a stirrer.

Serve immediately while still hot and sip slowly. Hot toddy is a traditional warmer for cold winter evenings and a trusted remedy for colds.