Rita says: “There were several dear old ladies in our community who were convinced that alcohol of any kind was the ‘devil’s brew’ and that consuming even the smallest portion would lead to ruination. They therefore concocted a non-alcoholic “wine” that was pleasantly warm, and called in “Old Temperance” or “O.T.” for short. Here is a recipe I found in my mother’s scrapbook.

• Quaker Oats Tin of Sugar (probably 1 lb)
  
• 3 dry red chillies crushed
  
• 10 cardamoms crushed
  
• 10 cloves crushed
  
• 1 anna’s (!!) worth of ginger, crushed (possibly 1 oz)
• 1/2 tsp. Tartaric acid
  
• 2 bottles water (750 litres or 26 oz each bottle)

Soak all the above ingredients (except Tartaric acid) overnight. Next morning boil for 1/2 an hour. When cool, add Tartaric acid.

Add rum or brandy, if you are not averse to consuming a “devil’s brew”.

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