If there’s a chill in the air, consider starting with the roasted cider, a seasonal hot toddy that combines a classic mulled cider with the toasty flavor of hazelnuts. Or for a fresh take on tradition, try the ginger fashion, a zippy rendition of the reliable old fashioned. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, the ruby spice bubbles offers a fresh – and refreshing – way to enjoy sparkling wine.

Roasted Cider

Start to finish: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
6 ounces cider
1½ ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico)
Freshly grated nutmeg
Cinnamon stick, to garnish
Method:
In a small saucepan over medium heat or in a mug in the microwave, heat the cider until just steaming. Stir in the whiskey and hazelnut liqueur, then top with grated nutmeg. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Ruby Spice Bubbles

Start to finish: 1 hour (10 minutes active)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground dry ginger
3 tablespoons water
4 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice, chilled
750-milliliter bottle sparkling white wine, chilled
Brandied or candied cherries
Method:
In a microwave-safe bowl or glass, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and water. Stir well, then microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled spice syrup with the cranberry juice. Shake to combine, then divide between 4 cocktail flutes or coupe glasses. Top each with sparkling wine and add 1 cherry to each.

Ginger Fashioned

Start to finish: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1-inch slice fresh ginger
1 sugar cube
2-inch strip orange peel
2 dashes maple bitters
2 ounces bourbon
Ice
Method:
In an old fashioned glass, muddle the ginger, sugar, orange peel and bitters until the sugar is dissolved. Add the bourbon and stir. Add an ice cube and serve.