* Traditionally just plain hot water, so that the guests can be sure that the water for tea is good quality. These days sometimes flavoured with 塩桜・梅干し・toasted rice. 

===Winter===
   * 甘酒 is traditional for very cold winters, sometimes even with an egg and ginger added.
   * 葛湯 could be a nice idea (just 葛 and 和三盆, maybe also some grated ginger).
   * If you want to be more Western, a hot toddy might be nice (being the //water of life// after all).

===Spring===
   * 梅干し for February, of course
   * 塩桜 for April, of course

===Summer===
   * KMR25 used kefir in summer, which is a great idea. 
   * For [[restricted:1_viii_26|1st of August]], I used Edelweiss cold brew. It worked very well, and I think alpine herbal tea blend cold brews in summer are a good idea.

===Autumn===
   * Cold そば tea is also very nice here