There's more than one way to serve that holiday cider.

New York-based Brian Van Flandern, of Creative Cocktail Consultants Corp. (previously of Per Se and Bemelmans Bar fame) serves versatile cocktails with "a whole lot of fresh flavor" for his Thanksgiving get-togethers.

"My favorite is a refreshing autumnal cocktail that I call Cider House Rules," Flandern said. "The crisp flavors of apples and cinnamon conjure images of the holidays — and works well with meals from early fall right through the end of winter."

CIDER HOUSE RULES

1.5 ounces 100-percent agave tequila
1.5 ounces fresh apple cider
.5 ounce sparkling water
.25 ounce fresh lemon juice
.5 ounce agave nectar or simple syrup*
1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients. Serve in a martini glass garnished with an apple wedge.

*To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has completely dissolved. Cool, pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until needed. Keeps about 1 month.



Recipe courtesy of Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a national trade association. An important part of responsible drinking, the association says, is understanding that a standard drink of regular beer (12 oz.), distilled spirits (1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits) and wine (5 oz.) each contains the same amount of alcohol.