{boozy bevvies} it's the holidays. let's drink.

happy belated thanksgiving. merry early christmas. happy early hannukah. whatever holidays you celebrate, pretty sure there are very few people that dislike this time of year. you can gather with those that you love and care for. celebrate the season and all the past year has given you. reflect on any bad choices and move on. it's a season for forgiveness and happiness. it may be due to all the alcohol available, but eh- i'm not here to judge. ha.

last weekend it was a rather quiet thanksgiving break at the riner household. we watched the macy's day parade, cooked a ridiculous amount of ah-may-zing food, and enjoyed each other's company.the traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce were next to the neo-traditional spanakopita- we are greek afterall. but one thing is for certain...there are always a pots of mulled wine and/or spiked cider on the stove to settle in before turning on national lampoon's christmas vacation. yes, we are that family. actually, legitimately, my dad is clark griswald in that movie. love, love, love him for it. :)

so i figured with all the holiday parties coming up, everyone could use an easy recipe for the masses. here's a delicious take on spiked cider care of mrs. meghan munsey and mr. barrett tucker. the real beauty is that there is very little measurement to this bevvie. make it as spicy as you like and drink up!

spiked cider

1 gallon of apple cider

mulling spices

cinnamon sticks

ground cinnamon

oranges

lemons
bourbon or brandy, your choice

pour your cider into the crock-pot. i'm a big fan of using this handy contraption for bevvies at parties. it keeps it warm and you don't have to worry about it. done and done.

you can add in cinnamon sticks to add to the potency.

now spice it up with mulling spices. i have bought some from both trader joe's and williams-sonoma. to each their own, but both have made epic cider.

sprinkle in some ground cinnamon.

cut up some oranges and lemons, juice them a bit, and just throw them on in. now let is simmer for about 30 minutes.

pour into glasses, spike as needed, and guzzle it on down. so stinkin' easy and yummy.

who couldn't go for a glass right now? count me in.

happy holidays everyone!

xoxo Lauren