Sbiten

If you were facing the icy onslaught of a twelfth-century Russian winter, this is the mulled honey drink you would need. Heat 500ml (2 cups) water with 4 tablespoons blackberry jam, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves and a lantern of mace. Simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave to infuse for 2 minutes longer. Strain into mugs.