The Queen wishes she were drinking

Wouldn't that be nice, snuggled up by a roaring fire, with someone nice? Instead, I'm in the gradlab, surrounded by economists working under the charming florescent beams. Grim.

KATHY MADISON Adapted from Hearth

6 ounces ginger-infused apple cider

¼ inch piece of ginger

2 ounces Jim Beam bourbon.

To infuse the cider, peel and chop the ginger. Bring the cider to a boil, add the ginger, and turn off the heat. Steep about 30 minutes, then purée the mixture in a blender and strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. (Refrigerate until ready to use.) To serve hot, heat the cider almost to a boil, add the bourbon, and serve in a mug. To serve cold, mix the cider with the bourbon and pour into a glass over ice.

From the NYTimes online: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/14/fashion/14shake.html