{cheers} my easy & amazing hot spiked cider recipe...

I may not be an excellent chef, but when the time calls for it, I can make a hell of a cocktail. The best part about this cider recipe is that it's hardly a recipe at all -- which is perfect for anyone like me who really just wants to impress party guests with a delicious drink... and then warm them into highly entertaining conversationalists with just the right amount of bourbon.

I've tried a few variations on this cocktail, taking inspiration from Pinterest searches and using good old fashion intuition. I made it with 100 percent apple juice in a pinch recently, which my roommate liked because it was a touch more sweet and cut the whiskey a bit more. But, I prefer a true cider to get the "spiciest" and most seasonal flavor.

Here's what you need to serve 4 people:

- 1 container of Trader Joe's organic apple cider

- 1 bottle of Bulleit bourbon

- 1 orange (you really only need the rind)

- Whole cinnamon sticks

Directions (nothing fancy here guys, so get ready):

1. Pour the cider into a large pot on the stove and heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally

2. Ladel hot cider into glasses or mugs, just a bit more than 1/2 full.

3. Top with bourbon. Now, I like a stiff drink, so I say be generous. Start with a shot and then add another. (Or, almost another...)

4. Stir.

5. Break cinnamon sticks in half and put a piece in each glass (you can definitely use a whole one for more flavor).

6. Peel a generous amount of orange rind and add a big piece to each glass.

Cheers! You're now basically a master mixologist ready to impress family and friends this holiday season.

[Image credit: originally from instyle.com; remixed by me using picmonkey.com]