By Dan Dunn
Yours Truly winters in sunny Southern California, where the temperature rarely dips below a half-a-buck in the dead of night in January. And it’s a good thing, too, because frozen breast implants would undoubtedly spell disaster
for the cast of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” – the Official Favorite Television Show of The Imbiber. But I watched last weekend’s NFL slate on TV while sunning out by the pool, so I know that it’s colder than a pimp’s heart in other parts of the country these days. I feel for you, my cold-weather friends, I really do, which is why I’m about to introduce you to a toasty treat that will help take some of the sting out of the bitterest arctic chill.
The Tuaca Hot Apple Pie is absolutely scrumptious and could hardly be easier to prepare. Simply combine 5-6 ounces of hot apple cider with a shot of Tuaca in a mug and garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. And just what IS Tuaca (pronounced “two-AH-ka”), you ask?
Well, it’s a brandy-based liqueur produced in the picturesque Tuscan coastal village of Livorno that has been around for centuries and tastes very much like an orange wedge dipped in vanilla pudding. Adding the apple cider really enhances the spirit’s natural citrus characteristics, without overwhelming the smooth taste of brandy. And in a few months when the mercury rises, Tuaca also makes for a tasty chilled shot. A bottle retails for around $25.
Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a “Real Housewives of Orange County” marathon on Bravo. Until next time, this is your sun-soaked spirits scribe reminding you to beware those UV rays.
