DOW: Grog

Grog can also be served cold or room temperature, but with the chilly temperatures, we might as well go hot. Like the gimlet, grog was another traditional beverage used by the British Navy to stave off scurvy. Now, at least for us, it's just an excuse to liven up a warm drink on a cold December night.

• 1 1/2 oz dark rum
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons evaporated cane juice (sugar)
• hot water

Combine the first three ingredients in a mug. Fill the mug with the hot water and stir. Don't use boiling water or too much of the alcohol will evaporate. For shame!

For an interesting twist, try maple syrup

• 1 1/2 oz dark rum
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• hot water