The return of the Hot Toddy

Pixley Berries, the Herefordshire-based cordial producer and fruit farmer, which launched a range of three blackcurrant-based cordials in May, has welcomed the onset of winter with two hot Pixley Cordials.

Pixley Berries MD, Edward Thompson, comments: “We are praying for an icy cold winter, as blackcurrant bushes need a long period of dormancy if they are to produce good quantities of fruit. But icy winds also require old fashioned hot spiced drinks, either with an alcoholic inclusion - or without.

“We tried the Pixley ‘Toddies with Spirit’ cocktail recipe with three different spirits.”

Pixley Brandy Toddy: This one tasted very much like a ‘toddy’, perfect for a wintery day, on the snowy slopes or as a party lightener on a wintry evening.

Pixley Cointreau Toddy: The warm aroma of this one blows the cobwebs away - excellent for sinus clearing? The inclusion of Cointreau made the cocktail taste sweet and strong, especially when it was hottest, but as the mixture cooled down, it softened down and relaxed.

Pixley Rum Toddy: This had wonderful depth and intensity. It did not taste too sweet or too strong, “but this one was just right”, said Goldilocks.

Pixley Berries Fruit-rich Hot Cordial
½ pint apple juice
1-2 cloves
¼ cinnamon stick
1 tbls Pixley Berries blackcurrant cordial
Place apple juice, cloves and broken cinnamon stick in pan and heat gently (do not boil) for 5 mins.
Add b/c cordial and sugar to taste. Strain the liquid and discard the spices

Pixley Berries Blackcurrant ‘Toddies with Spirit’
3 Shavings of Orange Skin
3 Cloves
1 Cinnamon stick
3 tbs Brandy or Rum or Cointreau
4 tbs Apple Juice
2 tbs Pixley Blackcurrant

Pixley Berries Blackcurrant, Blackcurrant and Raspberry, Blackcurrant and Elderflower are in Waitrose stores at £2.99 per 50cl.

The above range, and Pixley’s Blackcurrant and apple, are available through fine food shops and delicatessens.