Winter spices, lemon and local honey warm up this cold weather cocktail

Winter is on the way and it looks like it's angling to be cold and wet, so you’ll want a go-to cocktail to warm you up. The spicy-sweet heat of this cold-weather gem goes right to your chest and blooms there, like a bright flower in the middle of darkness. Grab a bottle of good Brandy and start making your own infusion now. After all, summer may be about sun and fun and busting out, but winter is made for quieting down, cozying up and taking it slow. Share with friends and give a toast to this Wonderful Life.

IT’S A WONDERFUL TODDY

RYAN TUCKER, CHOP CHOP MIXOLOGIST

4 oz Hot Water

1 1/2 oz. Infused Germain-Robin Brandy

1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka

A squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice

2 teaspoons Lover’s Lane Honey

Whipped Cream

Orange Twist

Cinnamon, Cloves and Star Anise

Mix hot water and honey in a mug or brandy snifter. Add Brandy, Vodka and lemon. Top with whipped cream and garnish with orange twist, cinnamon, cloves and star anise.

To make Brandy infusion: To one 1 liter of Brandy, add 5 cinnamon sticks, 3 tablespoons of whole clove and 1 vanilla bean (you may have to take a shot or two to make room to fit it all in there). Store in a cool, dark place for at least a week or until you are please with the flavor. Strain and pour back into the bottle.