For better or worse, I always associate fall with learning and productivity. Just because you’re no longer hitting the books doesn’t mean that this isn’t still the season for a little edification (in this case, of the potable variety). So, as the days get shorter and the nights cooler, why not turn your mind to mastering this slate of autumn-approved beverages?
Chai
Occasion:
A great Sunday afternoon project. Check in on it during commercial breaks in your FBS game of choice.
Recipe:
The website housing my go-to recipe is down, but this is pretty close. Simmer for an hour instead of 10 minutes and use two black tea bags instead of the 2 Tbsp of loose stuff (unless you’re one of those tea snobs). When it comes to straining, a clean wash cloth or sieve will do the trick if you’ve never even heard of cheesecloth, let alone have a clue where to pick it up.
Tips:
- If you have to add more than 6 Tbsp of sugar, that’s fine. If you decide to use honey instead, that is not fine.
- Buy all of the spices in bulk; it’s cheaper and there’s no way you’d ever use a full jar of cloves anyway.
- Don’t be like my dad and think that if x amount of something is good than 2, 3 or 4x must be that much better. Up the cardamom and it will taste like liquid potpourri.
- Also, calling it chai tea is redundant. Chai actually means tea in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and a number of other languages.
Hot Toddy
Occasion:
The first sign of a tickle at the back of your throat that indicates you’re about to be felled by cold season.
Recipe:
Start with a shot of whiskey or rum. Add boiling water, a slice of lemon, a spoonful of sugar, honey or maple syrup. Throw in a couple of cloves, a cinnamon stick and a tea bag if you want to get all fancy. It’s like Theraflu with class! Also, alcohol.
Tips:
This ain’t like Robitussin, son. Don’t keep dosing yourself up every three to four hours. Although, that could dull a sore throat (or at least your awareness of it)…
Shortcut Spiced Apple Cider
Occasion:
Perfect finishing touch to a first date spent frolicking around a pumpkin patch and wandering through a corn maze. Break out a thermos of this stuff and wait to be happened upon by a photographer who will immortalize you on a J.Crew catalog cover.
Recipe:
This will do nicely.
Tips:
- You can buy the base cider at the grocery store. A decent apple juice will do in a pinch, but will probably limit your odds of getting to second base. Just sayin’.
- Don’t use cheap, fake maple syrup. If you don’t have or can’t find the good stuff, opt for an equivalent amount of brown sugar instead.
- Skip the cheesecloth (seriously, what’s with this stuff?) and just strain the cider before serving. Choking on a stray clove isn’t romantic.
Dark and Stormy
Occasion:
It’s November. You’re depressed. And it’s the third year in a row that you’ve flamed out before making it even halfway through NaNoWriMo.
Recipe:
1.5 oz of dark rum and ginger beer/ale to taste. Serve on the rocks. Class it up with a slice of lime if you’re so inclined.
Tips:
- Use decent quality ingredients. Aim a little higher than Bacardi and Canada Dry. You’ll thank me.
- In Bermuda, the name Dark ‘N’ Stormy is actually a registered trademark of Gosling Brothers Ltd.
- If the Dark and Stormy turns out not to be your thing, switch out the ginger ale for cola and retreat to more pedestrian familiar territory.
