Gin hot toddy

To soothe a winter cold, what could be better than your grandmother’s recipe for ponce, a kind of hot toddy made with gin? While the old-time original recipe called for genever, like that made by De Kuyper, I much prefer using a dry gin, which offers a more delicate flavour and aroma, such as the Quebec gin Ungava with its lemony colour, aromas of Nordic juniper and slightly spicy flavour thanks to the addition of Labrador tea.

American grog

Here’s an unbeatable drink for sipping in front of the fire. You’ll love to savour this winter cocktail that soothes the throat and intoxicates you with its gentle cinnamon scent. Try varying the traditional recipe by replacing the rum with a modern alternative: whisky, cognac or calvados. Another idea: Why not add the ingredients of the original recipe to a hot cider?

For a more bracing alternative: