Defy Monday: Spike the Cider!

Photo: Julie A. Wenskoski

It's that time. Leaves are crunching and orchards are starting their apple and pumpkin festivities. This week begins, in my opinion, one of the best month-long periods of the entire year.

So, you ask, how do you start the week of the best month, the month of "it's AUTUMN"!?

You spike the cider already...

(source)

Below, I've listed a recipe to get you started. It is quick and very easy. My only advice here: put in the things that you like, remove the things you don't, and experiment. Cause if it's apple cider and it's amber-colored alcohol, you pretty much can't go wrong.

Poor-Man's Hot-Toddy

Make each drink individually, to taste.

INGREDIENTS
1 box spiced apple cider mix OR hot apple cider tea
6-8 oz water per drink
whiskey o' choice
butter schnapps (optional sweet licquor)
*orange slice
*apple slice
*cinnamon stick
*(optional garnish)

1. Boil water in kettle, or warm in microwave until almost boiling.
2. Pour contents of cider mix into (or add tea bag to) mug
3. Pour hot water into mix and stir well (or let steep).
4. Pour in whiskey and schnapps to taste, (I prefer half schnapps to whiskey)
5. Garnish with fruit slices and cinnamon sticks

Enjoy!... and remember this anytime you're near a nice roarin' fire.