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Monday
Nov122012

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider

We are constantly told to obey the law of moderation. Everyone from doctors and scientists to advertisements on television give us subtle, but constant reminders on what we should (and should not) be doing with our minds and our bodies. They warn us that we should be practicing moderation in everything from the way we eat to our activity levels or else. This idea of moderation pervades every aspect of our lives, spreading the belief that we may have a taste, but never take a bite. They tell us that if we practice moderation we will be healthier and happier, more wholesome and financially secure.

I disagree with the idea of moderating all of the elements of our lives. The rules governing moderation are strict and unforgiving. There is no room for error, for spontaneity, for the variety in life that only midnight snacks and staying up too late can bring. I want to replace the notion of moderation with one of balance. Life doesn't have to mean a eating a bowl of oatmeal every morning. It can (and should) mean the occasional hot fudge brownie sundae, too.

I'm happy to see that Julia Child feels the same way.

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider

One glance at the three hundred sweet recipes on this blog and it's easy to come to the conclusion that my counter tops are lined with as many sweets as a bakery shelf. The reality is far from that truth. While I do eat my fair share of baked goods, the food on these pages often finds its way into friends' stomachs and onto coworkers' plates. I try to eat healthy outside of baking and, for the most part, I succeed. I try to make it to the gym for a couple hours a few times a week. I drink eight glasses of water and eat fruit and vegetables every single day. In many regards, I am the model of someone trying to practice moderation. However, as anyone could tell you, a dessert blogger is never going to achieve the ideals of moderation.

While there is a place for moderation in balance, there isn't necessarily a place for balance in moderation.

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider

Last night I threw moderation to the wind. While watching my latest guilty pleasure, I sat down on the couch with a jar of peanut butter, a spoon, and a handful of toffee. I nibbled the toffee and ate spoonfuls of peanut butter straight from the jar. By the end of the show, the toffee had disappeared along with half of the jar. After a week of eating well and exercising regularly, a little indulgence just felt right. The truth is that I need small indulgences here or there to help me stay on a healthier (and happier) path. While moderation may frown at my indulgences, shaking its head in disappoint, balance embraces me for them, telling me to lick the spoon clean.

Good or bad, right or wrong, this is how I maintain the balance in my life. This is what works just right for me.

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider is a hot drink for cozy evenings. The ingredients are few, but the taste will bring warmth back into chilled limbs. Spiced apple cider is heated before combining with a shot of bourbon and a splash of orange juice. A cinnamon stick to stir the concoction together adds a hint of extra flavor. While drinking only one of these Hot Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktails would be practicing moderation, drinking two might just maintain the balance in your life.

One Year Ago: Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins
Two Years Ago: Sweet Potato Fries and Dried Cranberry Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Hot Bourbon Apple Cider

Yields 2 small cocktails

3/4 cup (180 ml) spiced apple cider
1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
Splash of fresh orange juice
Cinnamon stick & apple slices, for garnish

Heat apple cider to boiling in a small saucepan on the stove. Remove from heat and divide evenly between glasses. Add half the bourbon to each glass and a splash of fresh orange juice. Add a cinnamon stick to each glass and apple slices for garnish. Serve hot.

Reader Comments (12)

I love that Julie Child quote! Tony and I actually made these last weekend using Trader Joe's spiced cider - I didn't think about adding a splash of orange juice though, I'll try that next time! They were deeelicious =)
I love apple cider and bourbon together...especially on these cold evenings and I too, never thought about adding orange juice. Now, I have to make these! Oh, and PB straight from the jar with a giant spoon is one of the best snacks out there! I am glad I am not the only eating it straight from the jar :)
11.15.2012 | Unregistered CommenterMallory
Apple Cider + Bourbon equates to match made in cocktail heaven. Mmmm.. :D
Your post reminded me of something in a book I read long ago when I studied Norwegian in Oslo - "Jenny" by Sigrid Undset. It's about the lives of Scandinavian artists in Rome in the early 20th century, most of them very poor. One of the characters when buying a pretty necklace, says that it's worse to never have the "unnecessary" things (things you buy for their beauty alone), then sometimes not having enough of the "necessary" (like enough food). It stuck with me all these years.
11.16.2012 | Unregistered Commentervera@growntocook
I've always loved that Julia Child quotation and it's one that I like to embrace and live by. Balance is where it's at. I think this drink will form an integral part of my winter balancing act!
11.16.2012 | Unregistered CommenterKathryn
This is such a fabulous drink. Looks perfect for date night :)
I think that the idea of giving in to: luxury, excessive indulgence, as part of total balance,
is real humanism. Yes, we should scrimp and delay and defer a good chunk of the time;
but Life is short and precious, and no one should miss a little joy and curiosity fulfilled.
11.17.2012 | Unregistered CommenterMark
Oh my god, I want to try this so bad! Unfortunately I can't seem to find apple cider here in Brazil! I miss fall so badly!
11.17.2012 | Unregistered CommenterIsa
Thank you for this, all of it :)
11.17.2012 | Unregistered Commentergen
This post and the photos are beautiful! So glad to have found your lovely blog. You and Julia Child are right really, sometimes moderation can be over-rated.
11.17.2012 | Unregistered CommenterSharmila
I love that Julia Child quote, and it's so true! Your cider looks absolutely amazing. I'm filing this away for when it's winter again here!
11.17.2012 | Unregistered CommenterJennifer
Apple cider without bourbon is one of my favorite fall drinks! I don't think I've ever added orange juice, though--must try. :) And, of course, Julia Child is always right.
11.20.2012 | Unregistered CommenterEileen

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