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Five of the best... hot toddies

Sofitel St James, in London's Piccadilly – the perfect place to unwind with a hot toddy

It’s cold outside, so what better way to take away the winter blues than by sampling something warm and comforting from the bar of your Expotel hotel?

For the… finest hot toddy

Go to… ABode Glasgow (Classic British Hotels) 

Where: central Glasgow, in the heart of the city’s historic art district

Guaranteed to warm the cockles, enjoy a hot toddy with a twist (£4.95) in the hotel’s Bar MC, with its contemporary décor and warm colour scheme, or the Grill restaurant in the basement. As well as the traditional ingredients of honey, sugar, hot water, freshly squeezed lemon juice and whisky, star anise and nutmeg are also added for that little bit of chic in your Christmas drink.

For a… winning whisky-based cocktail

Go to… Macdonald Pittodrie Hotel

Where: set within its own ancient estate, near Aberdeen

Part of the Christmas Sparkle drinks menu, available at all Macdonald properties, the Jack Daniel’s Frost consists of Jack Daniel’s, Drambuie, a lime wedge and lemonade. Sample a glass (£8) or a pitcher (£22) in the beautifully festive Snug Bar, complete with a real log fire, or the historic Drawing Room, with its portraits of former Pittodrie inhabitants.

For a… bit of Christmas spice

Go to… Copthorne Plymouth Hotel

Where: in the heart of Plymouth city centre

After snapping up a few Christmas bargains in the nearby shopping district or visiting the historic Plymouth Barbican and Hoe, why not settle down in the hotel bar for a Winter Pimm’s, a warm, spicy update of traditional mulled wine (£3.20 per cup, or £9 for a teapot, which contains four cups)?

For… an ale with a difference

Go to… The Selkirk Arms Hotel (Best Western)

Where: Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Chris Walker, co-owner of the Selkirk Arms, decided to introduce the Stargazer Ale, brewed by one of Cumbria’s smallest breweries, in time for Christmas. Galloway Stargazer 4.2 ABV is a robust red bitter with crystal and amber malts. Enjoy a pint (£2.90) in the bistro or the newly renovated Sports Bar, which has a bright, clubby feel, with red leather seating, real fire and two large screens.

For the… perfect post-spa cocktail

Go to… Sofitel St James

Where: Piccadilly, London

Bar manager Mathieu Bruno has created three cocktails to match the colour of the OPI nail varnishes on offer in the hotel’s So SPA by Sofitel. Among them is the Crimson Carol, an unusual mix of smoked salmon, cinnamon syrup, lemon, pepper and Wyborowa vodka and apple juice. Available to enjoy in the spa, as part of a package with a manicure or pedicure (£45), or on its own (£12) in the St James Bar, where the décor is inspired by the tailored suits of nearby Jermyn St, or the Rose Lounge.

Expotel is the UK's leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. To find out more about any of the hotels mentioned above, call Expotel on 0844 793 7300.

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