What better way to perk up from the tiring bustle of Christmas eve than a freshly-brewed cup of coffee, spiked with a hit of brandy and flavorful spices come early morning? Warming and sensual, the drink will stimulate your senses as you soak the scents and cheers of the special holiday air.

For the actual coffee drink, take one cup of ground coffee (mild roast preferable so as not to overpower the whole concoction), five teaspoons of cardamom, half a tablespoon of sugar, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon and a teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Put them into a coffee filter, add water (about 7 cups) and brew it as with regular coffee.

Leave it to cook and prepare the intoxicating garnish. Put a cup of chilled whipped cream through an electric mixer in a large bowl. Mix it to a soft peak, then add four ounces of brandy (increase or decrease the amount of alcohol, according to your tastes) and one and a half tablespoons of sugar before running through the mixer again.

The brewed and spiced coffee should be good for eight cups. Add a dollop of the garnish (whipped cream mix) and add your choice of topping (optional) right before serving. By the way, you may want to hold back on the brandy if you’re entertaining guests in the morning and are serving them this - some might not appreciate an alcohol buzz at 7 AM. The recipe should work even with just a hint of brandy, like a spoonful for the entire eight servings.