Petro's Krupnik

Ok, it's not strictly a Ukrainian drink but it props the bars in most clubs.

Krupnik is sometimes called the healing drink because it heals the spirit.

It may also be called the Ready Brek drink and it is best drunk on a cold winters night just before you leave the club to walk home.

You will need the following:-

Half litre of spirit or vodka (pref. Ukrainian vodka)

1 small jar of clear honey

15 cloves

2 cinnamon sticks, slightly crushed

2 allspice berries

1 strip of lemon peel

Put all the spices and the lemon peel into a small saucepan and cover generously with water.

Bring slowly to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes to instil.

In another pan, heat the honey until it is warm and liquid, and add the vodka to it.

Add the spice infusion with the spices still in it to the honey and alcohol base.

Taste.

Add water to your own pleasure, especially if you're using spirit instead of vodka.

Pour the whole lot into a jar or bottle and store for 2 weeks.

Shake it up every 2 days. Strain off any residue from the spices and rebottle.

Serve warm in modest quantities.