Agatha is a good friend and a marvelous cook, but whenever I attempt one of the recipes I’ve asked her for, the result is never like hers. I suspect she’s deliberately leaving out ingredients. How do I tactfully confront her? —Rene

The column above made me laugh and reminded me of last year’s pomegranate cider recipe. Not one to let a culinary challenge best me, I present you with my own  perfected version of official holiday cider. Cheers!

• 1/2  cup of POM pomegranate Juice
• 1 cup fresh, unfiltered apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 slices of lemon
• 2 shots of pomegranate vodka

Mixologist: Mix all ingredients together in a pot except  vodka. Turn the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes or so, until it’s nice and fragrant. Pour into two warm mugs and add a shot of pomegranate vodka to each. Serve immediately.