5:00 Fridays

While the calendar declares that Autumn arrived a month ago, our Carolina temperatures beg to differ. However, a cold front is coming so say the meteorologists (the only profession with no accountability. Be wrong everyday and keep your job! Sign me up.). By the way, having lived in the midwest for 10 years, a "cold front" here is laughable. But I'll take it over 30 below zero with a whipping wind any day!

I love fall and am just dying to wear my tall boots, sweater coats, and houndstooth tights. I am aching to snuggle under a blanket by our outdoor fireplace, cocktail firmly in hand. Here's hoping this fall libation brings on some chilly evenings and toasty nights. Hubba Hubba.

Caramel Apple Pie
1 oz. tequila (The better the tequila the better the drink. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT use the crap you used at the PIKA house for upsidedown margaritas in college!)

½ oz. butterscotch schnapps (Also excellent over vanilla ice cream for a grown up treat!)

1 oz. apple cider (The real deal from the farmers market. If it ain't a bit cloudy, it ain't cider.)

1 tsp. lemon juice (Fresh, natch.)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the damn fine tequila, schnapps, cider and lemon juice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an apple slice.I prefer a green Granny Smith apple slice because the Red Delicious is anything but.