Hot Whiskey Punch

Note from Cheri: This recipe and text is re-printed from Darina Allen's Festive Food of Ireland, a wonderful book of ideas for all of Ireland's imprtant festivities. Click here for more information about this book as well as more sample recipes. Whiskey or "uisce beata" (meaning the water of life) has kept the Irish in fine high spirits since ancient times - and we certainly don't need a festival to enjoy it.

1 measure of whiskey 2 teaspoons white sugar 4-6 cloves 2 slices fresh lemon 7 oz. boiling water

Serves 1 1. Put whiskey, sugar cloves and lemon slices into a strong glass. 2. Pour on the boiling water until the sugar has dissolved. 3. Sip contentedly by a blazing fire.