Our November meet was all about the warm, comfy feeling spices lend – especially during the holidays. To switch things up, we conducted this meeting as a demo. Rather than discuss a historical topic, we made something essential to many classic cocktails – simple syrup. Not just any old syrup, but five spice syrup.

Szechuan peppercorns could not be located. So we subbed in allspice.

For drinks, we had hot toddies and hot spiced cocoa (non-alcoholic). Plus we had a freshly-baked garam masala spiced loaf of pumpkin bread to nosh on. It being Phoenix, the weather was still nice enough to sit on the patio and shoot the breeze.

Now that the holiday season is upon us, we’re taking a break until the new year. See you in January!