This past Saturday was the first rainy farmers market trip Kendall and I have had since March. Carless, we walked to the market and got completely soaked (we don't miss the market for anything). Hair dripping wet, frozen fingers, feet squishing in the puddles in my running shoes … I couldn’t wait to get home to put on dry clothes and enjoy warm drink.

When I love a certain cocktail or spirit, I love it for two reasons: (1) the taste, and (2) the way it makes me feel when I sip it. My company recently launched a new product, Wild Turkey Spiced. It is bourbon with a lovely vanilla, brown sugar flavor, with hints of cinnamon and clove. At 86 proof it is extremely smooth and flavorful, but has a slight burn when it hits the back of your throat. This burn results in pure warmth, and it's the reason why this stiff cocktail with Wild Turkey Spiced hit the spot after being out in the cold rain.

Royal Spiced Tea

2 oz. Wild Turkey Spiced

1 oz. Earl Grey Syrup*

Orange Peel Garnish

Fill a mixing glass with ice, and then add bourbon and Early Grey Syrup. Stir for several seconds and strain into cocktail glass over two ice cubes (can also be served up/ no ice). Garnish with orange peel, making sure to squeeze the peel over the drink to release all the essential oils into the cocktail and on the glass. You want the garnish to enhance the flavors in the cocktail (and to make the drink look pretty, of course).

Earl Grey Tea

*Earl Grey Syrup

2 cups Water

1 ½ cups Sugar

2 tbs. Earl Grey Tea leaves (or 2 teabags)

Combine water and sugar in medium sized saucepan and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, then strain, and let it cool.