Brandy Toddy

Brandy and Oolong tea leaves are two of the ingredients that make this toddy a hit. (iStock)

One of the richest and most warming drinks available, brandy combines the heat of a distilled spirit with the warmth of great wine. And why not add to its warming power by mixing it into a great warm cocktail designed expressly to create a little romance as thoughts turn toward ice and snow? The sweet richness of a brandy toddy brings forth a host of spices and flavors, incorporating oolong tea, lavender, vanilla and citrus in a mixture sure to cure whatever may ail you.

Cook Time:5 min

Prep Time:5 min

Total Time:10 min

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

2 fluid ounce brandy

5 fluid ounce simple syrup

4 fluid ounce boiling water

1 vanilla pod

1/2 teaspoon dried lavender

2 inch x 2 inch piece of orange peel

1 tablespoon Oolong tea

Preparation:

Add the dry ingredients to a cheesecloth sachet and put in the bottom of a snifter or mug.

Add the rest of the ingredients over the sachet and let it steep until fragrant.

Remove the sachet, give the drink a hearty stir, kick back and watch the fireworks. They'll be well worth the effort.