""Hey Hedgehog, what say we rattle something together?" called Rat, reaching for a bottle of cherry brandy on a shelf above his head."

The Last Waltz brings peppered dark fruit, cherry and spice to the table. It's also topped with sparkling wine or Champagne, so it's a fantastic Christmas Day drink for when your guests need a little enlivening.

The pepper comes from the use of rye whiskey (although a spicy single malt would also work) and is tamed by the cherry liqueur to produce a satisfying balance. Chartreuse adds depth, while the surprising inclusion of chocolate cocktail bitters gives a rich mouthfeel and an alluring touch of Mexican spice.