Honey Spiced Brandy (Rakomelo)

Beginner Cook - Short Cooking Time - Beverage - Gluten Free

Sipping on a spiced bourbon cocktail during a recent holiday party, I was reminded of my favorite Greek spiced beverage - Rakomelo. This drink is typically consumed during colder weather but that's never stopped us from enjoying it during our summer dinners at En Plo, where the owner serves up a delicious version. Bottles of the spiced spirit are available in retail shops throughout Greece but the flavors aren't nearly as appealing as a freshly mulled batch. Traditionally prepared with brandy known as Tsipouro, grappa or unaged grape brandy will also do the trick. Unlike spiced bourbon, which is often mixed with cider, rakomelo is served straight. The undiluted spirit is consumed from a shot glass or "sfinaki" and meant to be sipped slowly and enjoyed.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces tsipouro, grappa, or unaged grape brandy
• three whole cloves
• 2 small cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon honey

Time - 10 minutes

• Preparation - 8 minutes
• Cooking - 2 minutes

Preparation

• Combine the liquor, honey, cinnamon, and cloves in a small pot. Make sure the stove top is off when combining the ingredients as the liquor's vapors are flammable

• Bring the pot to a boil over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes

• Remove from the heat and serve. If your pot isn't well suited for serving directly into small glasses, you can transfer the spiced drink into a small teapot

• Enjoy with family and friends with a toast to a happy and healthy 2017! Yamas!