Like any red-blooded American, Gut Check uses liquid medication to cope with holiday stress. Not only does a good winter cocktail make it possible to tolerate family members, say, inquiring about your procreation plans, it helps keep you warm, too. From now until Christmas, we're calling upon local drink-slingers to suggest great cocktails to get you through the season. Some of them are holiday-themed, some traditional, some not so much, but they all share one common thread: delicious potency.
Life can be pretty complicated, but that doesn't mean your drink has to be. Sometimes, it just takes the simple things to unwind, especially during this season of cold weather grieving. Take mulled apple cider over mulling things over with this pleasant drink that's as easy and delicious as apple pie, harkening back to the familiar flavors of childhood creature comforts.
Server and bartender Stephanie Dinges at Al Waha Restaurant & Hookah Bar (3191 South Grand Boulevard; 314-664-3940) asked owner Riyad Alwadi to add hot spiked cider to the drink menu after being introduced to Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey at HandleBar last year. This easily sippable spirit enhances your own holiday spirit with two simple ingredients. Follow the jump to get to a recipe for instant holiday stress relief success, and stop in at Al Waha for their other seasonal specialty: the Cafe Royale, another simple mix containing Bedouin coffee and Patron Coffee Liqueur made with tequila.
Hot Spiked Cider
One cup of apple cider, store-bought or homemade Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
Heat cider, add a shot of Fireball and enjoy! Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired.
