Laying Low Before the Big Day
Thanksgiving is here, my friends. I know this isn’t new news–if you’re anything like me, you’ve been making and revising lists, running errands, and having a drink as soon as it’s socially acceptable to do so.
For the past few days, I’ve been house/dog/teenage sitting at my Dad’s house. And Lincoln, their sweet chocolate lab, was a rescue dog so he doesn’t love being alone. For some, this would be a burden. But I’ve used this as an excuse to hunker down and do some writing, go on long Lincoln walks, take some photos around the neighborhood, and make hot spiked cider in the evening while lounging on the couch catching up with back issues of The New Yorker.
I got the recipe for this cider from the bartender at The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle. I’d come in freezing after a day at Bainbridge Island and asked her if she could make me something hot and strong. Pretty much the second I got back to California (well, not really–I waited a few days), I went out to buy some Tuaca, and have been making one of these guys every night since. If you’re not familiar with Tuaca, it’s an Italian liquor comprised of brandy, hints or citrus, vanilla, and cloves. It’s made by the Tuoni and Canepa families of Livorno, Italy but it’s easy to find here in the States. Any well stocked liquor store should carry it. So in these looming days of traveling, packing, family, food, errands, and the like–take a little time out with this hot cocktail. Trust that I’ll be doing the same.
Hot Spiked Cider
- Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients
Instructions
Pour cider in a small saucepan. Drop cinnamon stick in, and warm on stove top for about ten minutes.
Pour 2 oz. Tuaca into your glass, and fill the rest of the way with the warmed cider. Shake a bit of ground cinnamon into the glass and top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick if desired (it’s great without the whipped cream, too).
Welcome to A Sweet Spoonful, my blog devoted to seasonal cooking, whole grain baking, and casual gatherings in our Pacific Northwest home. My name is Megan Gordon and I'm so glad you're here.
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Seems perfect for a relaxing day!
Megan Gordon
Thank you, Mo!
And Mardi: I used a Canon Rebel Xsi. It's been working out well so far. Practice, practice, practice!
El
Looks cozy and delicious. Have a great holiday!
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite
oh and PS: what camera are you using?
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite
Never heard of Tuaca but that drink sounds perfect for our annual holiday open house...
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Me, am thankful to have "met" lovely friends like you over the past few months...
Mo
Megan - This is just what I've been looking for - yay! Can't wait to give it a try. And BTW - you're photos are looking AWESOME these days.
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction
Sounds like you had a wonderful, relaxing day. The cider sounds delicious... one of my favorites! Love the picture of the doggy. Very cute!
Sophie
That drink sounds so good to me!!
MMMMMM,...just really comforting on these cold winter evenings!
Kelsey
I love this cocktail! I am just catching up after two weeks of holiday/birthday/sick kid craziness. now - onto Christmas! What cocktail is next?!
Megan Gordon
Thank you Sophie, Jen, and Kelsey.
I'm thinking mulled wine is up next, Kelsey...I have a nice recipe from the Neptenthe cookbook.
Yasmine
We have the exact same glass you used! Except we're Arabians and use it for tea. :D