Which warm alcoholic drink made from spirits, sugar, and hot water takes its name from a Hindustani word related to the palm tree and palm sap?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the area of etymology based general knowledge, which connects English words with their origins in Indian or other languages. It refers to a warm alcoholic drink made from spirits, sugar, and hot water. The drink takes its name from a Hindustani word related to palm trees and palm sap. The question checks whether you know that the English word toddy, and by extension the term hot toddy, traces its origin to an Indian language word describing palm wine.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The drink is a warm alcoholic mixture of spirits, sugar, and hot water.
• The name comes from a Hindustani word linked with the palm tree and palm sap.
• Four drink names are given: Punch, Toddy, Cider, and Sake.
• We assume standard English etymology references and food history.

Concept / Approach:
In several Indian languages, words like tari or toddy refer to the fermented sap of the palm tree, used as a local alcoholic drink. English borrowed this term and adapted it as toddy for palm wine and later as hot toddy for a mixture of spirits, sugar, and hot water served warm. Punch has a different Indian origin from the word for five, sake is Japanese rice wine, and cider is made from apples. Therefore, the correct match between the description and the Hindustani origin is toddy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the ingredients: spirits, sugar, and hot water served as a warm drink. Step 2: Recall that a hot toddy is a well known warm mixed drink in English usage. Step 3: Remember that toddy originally referred to palm sap based alcoholic drink in Indian languages. Step 4: Compare this origin with the etymologies of punch, cider, and sake, which do not match the palm tree connection. Step 5: Conclude that toddy is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you consult a reliable English dictionary with etymology, you will find that toddy is traced back to a word from Hindi or Marathi describing palm wine or palm sap. The entry also notes that in English, toddy came to mean a drink of spirits, sugar, and hot water, especially when served warm. Punch has a separate etymology, commonly linked to the number five due to its five ingredients, while cider and sake have Western and Japanese origins respectively. These references confirm that toddy is the only option matching both the drink description and the Hindustani language connection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Punch: Also has an Indian connection through the word for five but usually refers to a cold mixed drink and not specifically the warm combination described here.

Cider: An alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice, with origins in European languages, not from Hindustani words for palm tree.

Sake: The Japanese rice wine, with no etymological link to palm trees or Hindustani language.

Common Pitfalls:
A tricky point is that both toddy and punch have some Indian connection, which might confuse candidates. Some may remember that punch has roots in an Indian language word for five and may misapply that here. Others might focus only on the warmth and think of any familiar warm drink. To avoid mistakes, pay attention to the exact wording: the key clues are spirits, sugar, hot water, and the link to palm tree sap. These hints collectively point specifically towards toddy and its evolution into the term hot toddy.

Final Answer:
The warm drink made from spirits, sugar, and hot water that takes its name from a Hindustani word related to palm tree sap is called a toddy (as in hot toddy).