The Somerset Pomona

I seized upon this bottle for a Cornish-themed dinner because it looked interesting and because it's made in Somerset, which as any Cornish person knows is near Cornwall. The Somerset Pomona (I love the 'The') is a blend of cider brandy and apple juice, "from the vintage apple orchards of Kingsbury Episcopi". Weighing in at 20% vol, this warming digestif was a tasty post-dinner compromise between a more demanding spirit and a lighter-weight cider. Matured in oak barrels, it was bottled with strict instructions to enjoy after dinner, with cheese. Some orders are easy to follow.

Eggnog

Feeling brave? Then try making this legendary winter beverage. I discovered a recipe for Eggnog here, but decided that since one is likely to drink just the one (I reckon raw eggs and cream are better in smaller portions) it made sense to up the booze content a fraction and be done with it.

30ml (1oz) dark rum

30ml (1oz) brandy

0.5oz light brown sugar

60ml (2oz) cream

1 whole egg

Nutmeg*

*Lacking ground nutmeg, I was forced to use allspice, which I found a little too dominant; clovey. Do stick to nutmeg.

Mix rum, brandy, sugar, cream, egg and a pinch of ground nutmeg into a shaker. Fill with ice and shake "like your life depends on it". Strain into glass and garnish with a secondary nutmeg pinch.

A handy definition of a winter drink is anything you'd find abhorrent on a hot July afternoon. Eggnog definitely falls into this category. It's creamy and comforting, rather than warming, but probably just the ticket in certain undetermined circumstances.