Lifestyle
Spiced brandy black tea with cardamom and ginger
This is the kind of drink that suits cold hands, dim light, and evenings when the weather gives you every reason to stay in.
Did you know the word brandy – which comes from the Dutch brandewijn, or “burnt wine” – is a nod to the heat used in distillation? Commercial brandy production from wine dates back to the sixteenth century and has long been a popular winter spirit. It also pairs beautifully with strong black tea, which has enough body and tannic strength to hold its own against alcohol and spice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong black tea
- 100 ml brandy
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 small piece fresh ginger
- Mint sprigs
Method
- Brew the black tea until strong and very hot.
- Pour it into a small saucepan with the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger.
- Warm gently for 4 to 5 minutes so the flavours infuse. Do not boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the brandy.
- Strain into heatproof glasses or mugs.
