SWEETHEART CORDIAL

A typical love potion of ancient times might contain mandrake, henbane, periwinkle and St John’s wort together with the bile, urine and semen of oxes (a worm seems quite tame in comparison!).

It is indeed fortunate that today, you can ignite your lover’s passion with a simple mix of chocolate, vanilla and epimedium. Ingredients • 3 cups vodka • ½ cup sugar • 2 cups raw cacao nibs

• 6 vanilla beans, sliced lengthwise and cut into pieces • 90g dried horny goat weed ( Epimedium sagittatum or Epimedium grandiflorum) Place ingredients in a large jar with a plastic lid. Shake, then let steep in a dark room for 6 weeks, turning the jar once daily. Strain mixture and store in the fridge. Add a splash or two to cocktails, like a martini, or coffee, with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or drink small amounts straight.