Halloween has come and gone and despite expectations, I did not overdo it on brain hemorrhage cocktails.

This meant I had some leftover spiced rum. Not a terrible problem to have except for the fact that the sudden cold snap did not put me in the mood for all the sort of icy libations I associate with this spirit.

Cruzan offered a recipe for a cold-weather beverage -- a "Winter's Reprieve" -- and while I'm usually more into vintage than contemporary corporate concoctions, this one really hit the spot.

See also:

- Harvey Wallbanger: It's Not a Screwdriver - The Pleasures of Edible Flowers in Cocktails - Fancy Champagne Jell-O Shots Bring the Party

Winter Reprieve #9

• 1 1/2 parts Cruzan 9 spiced rum
• 1/2 part agave nectar
• 3/4 part pink Grapefruit juice
• 5 parts hot water

Cinnamon or grapefruit ring to garnish

What initially attracted to me to this cocktail was the grapefruit. It's fruit flavor that makes me think of breakfasts in Florida retirement communities, air freshener, and palomas. That is to say, nothing remotely related to warm and snuggly. I was suspicious the citrus would turn too tart under higher temperatures and worried the large proportion of H2O would dilute any flavor hoping to emerge.

While the Winter Reprieve is not the boldest of mixed drinks, it's just about perfect for a dark late fall evening when you're yearning for an early bedtime. The cinnamon brings out the spice in the rum and the agave provides a mellifluous quality as well as tempers the citrus factor. I had my Winter Reprieve in a glass, but a well-worn family mug might have been even better.