If you're suffering from a cold, take the opportunity to mix a healing hot toddy...

The upside to feeling poorly is it's an excuse to sip a Hot Toddy before bed – not that we should need excuses, it's a very delicious preventative nightcap during a cold snap.

This particular Toddy is a remedy that has all the Vitamin C of one lemon, a sleep-inducing slug of brandy, the antibacterial benefits of honey and anesthetic properties of the cloves, and the rising steam is bound to clear a bunged up nose. Classical recipes suggest whisky or rum so use whichever alcohol you prefer, and the cinnamon is an optional extra.

Fill the kettle and put it on to boil, using some of the water for the Toddy and the rest for your hot-water bottle.

Hot Toddy

1 large lemon
1 tot brandy
1 tsp raw honey
1 cinnamon quill
2 cloves

Method

Squeeze all the juice from the lemon and strain into a cup. Add the brandy, honey and spices. Cover with freshly boiled water and stir well.