When I hunker down for a Thanksgiving day in the kitchen, the first thing I like to do is pour myself a drink. Of course, too much alcohol too early in the day can cause problems. But a nice stiff drink, sipped slowly, it integral to the holiday for me.

New York Times Magazine drinks columnist Rosie Schaap tends bar at South in Brooklyn. She makes me the perfect drink for a fall day in the kitchen, which she calls the Autumn Bonfire. Here's the recipe:

1 part Applejack (or Calvados)
1 part smoky Scotch
1 part non-alcoholic apple cider or juice
couple dashes of bitters
splash of maple syrup

Rosie likes to cook down the cider or juice to make it a little thicker, but you don't have to do that. Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a glass or pour over fresh ice. Garnish with sliced apple. Take a sip. You're ready to cook!

Photo: Flickr CC / Noodles and Beef