Maple Spice Hot Toddy, Serves 4 to 6
One secret of a veteran hostess is to friend-source and actually put your guests to work. Pick one with a steady hand and order him or her to mix up the following tippler.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
1/4 tsp nutmeg or pie spice
8 whole cloves

In a sauce pan combine:
1 cup spirit of choice — even that dusty bottle of cooking brandy in the back of your cupboard will do. It will still be delicious! Of course, if you have bourbon, whiskey, or cognac, even better.
1 cup water
The peel of one orange or lemon

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium size pot. Bring to a simmer for thirty seconds.
2. Strain and pour into mugs or mason jars.
3. To create a garnish, slice the remainder of the lemon or orange into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place whole cloves into every other segment — float in the cocktail.