BILBAO, Dec 23 — When the man named the best bartender in the world mixes drinks for the holidays, you can bet they go beyond vodka tonics.

With holiday parties filling up itineraries and people’s homes, Spaniard David Rios of The Jigger Cocktail & Disco Bar in Bilbao offers festive cocktail recipes to set the tone and whet guests’ appetites.

This past summer, Rios rose above 43 finalists from around the world to be crowned the World Class Bartender of the Year 2013.

Here's how to make Rios's Mediterranean-inspired Hot Toddy:

Mediterranean Toddy

45 ml Johnnie Walker Gold Label Scotch Whisky

10 ml rosemary honey

10 ml lime juice

30 ml hot water

Put the rosemary honey and a measure of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve in a mug or heatproof glass. Add the lime juice then top up with 30 ml just-off-the-boil water.

Garnish with a lemon twist and a rosemary branch. — AFP-Relaxnews