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Nothing says winter like a hot drink, especially when there is cinnamon involved. Just add crackling wood and a cozy blanket, and there is no better way to spend the holiday season.
My favorite is a hot toddy -- not too sweet and very easy to make. Just bourbon, hot water, honey, lemon juice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. You can use other whiskeys as well, but I prefer bourbon for its slightly sweeter flavor.
Over Thanksgiving we made a bourbon cider by heating up apple cider with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a slow cooker, and then combining that with bourbon. It was so simple to make -- no precise measuring necessary, just to taste -- and was a definite crowd-pleaser.
Mulled wine is another great option. You can find mulled wine spices at most grocery stores, or put cardamom and cloves together in a cheese cloth and simmer with cinnamon, orange and lemon (both zest and juice), water, and sugar. Then just add dry red wine and brandy.
Do you have a favorite holiday drink recipe? Let me know!