Cocktail of the week: Yari Club’s spiced sake | The good mixer

Japan’s answer to mulled wine is heady, comforting and full of warming spices

Otoso, or spiced sake, is a Japanese tradition that’s usually enjoyed in the colder months. It’s a similar concept to mulled wine, but the herbs and spices (tosoan) are specifically selected to protect against illness and evil spirits, and to usher in good fortune. The tosoan used varies greatly, with everyone making their own proprietary selection, so use those listed here as a guide and adapt to suit personal taste. Ours includes clove to reduce inflammation, cinnamon bark to aid digestion and citrus to soothe the stomach, while the sake itself helps promote blood circulation. It is not uncommon to dilute spiced sake with green tea to taste.

Anne Anggreani, head of operations, Yari Club, London WC2