The best drink (Cocktail) for winters!

Have you seen the levels of pollution lately? I went up in the Himalayas recently for a small trip but the pollution levels even in the hills were above normal. The entire country is facing this existential threat of pollution it seems. While Delhi used to be an outlier a decade ago in terms of pollution numbers, it is now one among many cities that battle air pollution each winter. 'Battling' might not be the right word here because there's actually no battle. We just witness pollution killing our children and poisoning our elders but we don't do anything about it. The solutions you ask? They are  simple really - 

1) Fucking plant trees! Build a green wall around each city and create green buffer areas between habitations and industries to trap atleast those pollutants which settle on to the ground. 

2) More waste treatment plants to avoid open waste burning. Just needs strong implementation and willpower. 

3) Promote walking and cycling, and build roads to integrate, assimilate and initiate walking culture among the lazy Indians. 

But alas! people really don't want to do anything about it. And hence, the obfuscation and the disruption strategies by people in power. Confuse the public, tangle them in bureaucratic quagmire and avoid all accountability! 

Anyways, like always, I digress. This post is not a rant! It's a feel good post. Since, everyone I know is suffering from a cold or a related ailment, I have invented a new winter drink that cures the cold in an instant! (Yes, this is my eureka moment lol ) 

LO and BEHOLD - 

THE WINTER APPLE ELIXIR by yours truly

1) Take 1 apple and thinly slice all of it

2) Take 1L water in a pan and add the apple slices

3) Add 1 whole clove (laung), 1.5 cm long cinnamon stick (dalchini) and a pinch of salt. 

4) Bring the concoction to a boil and then let it simmer for 5-10 mins. 

5) Once it cools down, blend everything in a juicer and strain it if you want a smooth drink. I like fibre so I avoid straining. 

6) Now comes the best part - Add a little bit of whiskey/brandy (I prefer full 30 ml) and mix well. 

7) Let the drink settle down for a minute and then enjoy a hot, rejuvenating cup of the best winter drink you'll have in your life! This will cure your cold, get you warm and most importantly, remind you to enjoy the little things in life!  

Nuggets of wisdom - 

1) If you are using whiskey, use small amounts first. Try with only 2 spoonfuls first and then keep adding until you get that balance right. 

2) If you're using brandy, then go for cognac. My personal favourite is Napolean cognac. The fruity aroma from grapes and the body of cognac, elevate the apple concoction. 

3) Mildly squeeze a few drops of orange zest to elevate the drink even further. Not only will it balance the sweetness of apples but it will also reduce the bitterness of alcohol.

4) Apple, being a natural digestive system cleanser, this drink will really improve your digestion. So that's an added benefit. 

This drink is like one of those warm, fuzzy, happy memories of childhood where you felt secure and comfortable. It stops the time for you for one full cup of this drink. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!