SBITYEN

½ cup honey
6 cups water
Spices: 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, 8 cloves, 1 piece (1 inch) cinnamon stick, small piece of bay leaf, rind of ½ lemon, and 3 peppercorns tied in a cheesecloth
½ - ¾ cup brandy or vodka

In a medium-sized pot, combine all the ingredients except the brandy or vodka.  Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring to dissolve the honey.   Simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the spice bag, add the brandy or vodka, and heat for another 2 minutes.

Serve at once.