The holidays are here. There’s no denying it. Thanksgiving is Thursday, the radio stations and retail stores are playing holiday music nonstop. As you already know, we here at Campus Squeeze are getting into the spirit. In addition to the weekly Holiday Gift Guide each Friday, we will have a Holiday Drink Countdown each Monday right through the holidays. We’ll keep ‘em simple and tasty. I don’t know about you, but a holiday themed drink definitely puts me in the mood…

…for the holidays you scumbag.

Our first feature is in sync with the seasonal harvest of apples. We’re not talking hard cider out of a beer tap. This is a warm drink with amazing flavor.

Hot Spiced Cider

What you need:
3 cups apple cider

2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cinnamon sticks

1/2 cup apple brandy (or a bit more depending on your tastes)

Combine cider, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and brown sugar in a pot. Simmer covered for 10 minutes stirring occasionally (you don’t want the sugars to burn). Next, stir in the brandy, turn up heat to medium until the mixture is hot; again keep an eye on it via stirring. Ladle into mugs and serve. If you’re trying to impress a lady (or her family) garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick and a peeled slice of apple. You can also substitute dark rum for brandy.