Feel that chill in the air? It’s (finally) Fall, and that means we can all put away the iced lattes and curl up in front of an imaginary fireplace with a good book and a hot beverage.

My personal favorite is mulled cider, which is super easy to make and, when you need that extra kick, goes very nicely with a little bit of rum.

Here’s what you need to get started:

A small saucepan

Apple Cider (the dark brown cloudy kind, don’t use apple juice!)

Brown sugar

Allspice

Cloves

Cinnamon sticks

An orange

Cheescloth

Rum (optional)

You can find Allspice, cloves and cinnamon in the spice section of any grocery store—make sure to buy them whole, not ground or powder! Cheesecloth is a bit harder to find—if you’re stuck, just get yourself a small strainer that has very fine holes. Read More »

There is no nice way to put this: it is f*#king freezing outside. And even though I am trying my hardest not to give into my yearly bout with depression, leaving the house is getting harder and harder to do.

And when I do force myself to venture out into the cruel, cold world – say, to go to work – it takes me a good half hour to warm up when I finally get back home.

I have tried everything in the book to get warm: thick socks, long underwear, hot tea. But none of it works. If you too are suffering with no relief from the bitter cold that settled in this past week, you may also be looking for alternative ways to keep warm this long and dreary winter.

And, trust me on this one, there really is only one way to do it: with the help of booze. Warm booze, that is.

Nothing warms you from the inside out quite like a hot cup of spiked cider. Or some old fashioned hot buttered rum.

Pair them with some gingerbread cookies (you can buy em at the store!) and old episodes of Sex and the City and you have yourself the perfect winter afternoon with the girls.

I get warm just thinking about it!

The recipes could not be easier. So stock up on these ingredients, throw on some wool socks and get ready for a warm and cozy winter.

Spiked Hot Apple Cider:

6 to 8 oz apple cider or juice

1 oz dark rum (2 tablespoons)

Heat the cider until it boils. Pour into a cup, add rum. Garnish with sliced apple or a cinnamon stick. Sip, warm up and enjoy! Read More »

There is a slight chill in the air on this fine October morning, which can mean only one thing: Fall is here. Why so chipper, you ask? Why would anyone celebrate the end of summer and embrace the coming of sweater season?

Um. Pumpkin Spiced Lattes are back at Starbucks!

I am just obsessed with these things. And if you have never had one, get over to the nearest ‘Bucks (I am sure you are a mere 10 feet from one right now) and get one. You too will be hooked and totally excited about Fall.

And in the spirit of the changing leaves and all things pumpkin-y at Starbucks, I have found for you the perfect late night compliment to my favorite espresso beverage:

The Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

This drink goes perfectly with a pair of cozy sweatpants, a warm blanket and a night at home with the girls. For a truly perfect Fall evening, throw in a little Mystic Pizza (Julia Roberts’ movie debut!) and settle in. Read More »