Drink This: The Royal Flush

Baby, it's (sort of) cold outside.

To warm your hands and your heart, mix up a Royal Flush. This boozy berry cocktail provides a latent soothing heat that softens the hard edges of a stressful day at the DMV and provides rejuvenation after that six-hour sober baby shower.

Perhaps as delightful as the stone-fruit flavors of the Royal Flush is the double entendre contained in its name. A royal flush denotes the highest hand in poker, thus suggesting the superiority of this cocktail to other whiskey drinks, and after two or three, you're likely to sport a "royal" flush. So don't drink more than one if you're actually in a high-stakes game of cards.

If you have a well-stocked bar, you probably already have the ingredients on hand. If not, a trip to Spec's may be in order. Obviously, you can use other whiskeys besides Crown Royal, but, come on, what's more appropriate?

The Royal Flush

• 1 1/2 oz whiskey (Crown Royal Canadian recommended)
• 1 oz peach schnapps
• 1/2 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
• 1 oz cranberry juice

Add ingredients in order listed to a cocktail tumbler filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

Finally, if for some reason we're having an 80-degree January day, imbibe inside with the AC on high.