We are in the midst of a pretty big snow storm here on the East Coast of the USA. When I think of snow, one word comes to mind. It's a four-letter word and best left to being used when I am drunk. Unless of course the snow means snowboarding. Two words come to mind when I think of snowboarding and those two words are "blackberry brandy". It's not proper snowboarding without a flask of good quality blackberry brandy. Which reminds me of something else that is kind of humorous: Back in the old days when everyone did this strange thing called "skiing" we used to ski with Spanish botas (those leather wine bags) filled with wine. One morning when we were on the lift and one of my friends bragged that his was filled with champagne. He thought he was being swank. Until, halfway down the run when the bumps and the resulting carbon dioxide decided to fill the bota to explosive proportions and start spraying all over him... a sticky day for him.

Sorry, I'm babbling. Anyway, blackberry brandy and snow! Another drink for the snow (especially when you have to deal with it in its four-letter capacity) is "blacklight". A blacklight is a mocha with one or two shots of premium blackberry brandy in it. It's just the ticket after a few hours of shovelling or, if you're lucky, a day on the slopes.

It's easy to make and I promise you'll love it. See all that babbling above? I'm drinking a tall one right now! F-word snow!

Blacklight (a tall one)

2 cups of black coffee
1 packet of instant hot chocolate
1-2 oz. premium blackberry brandy (get the naturally flavored stuff, there is a huge difference)
sugar to preference
Whipped cream (optional)

It's not rocket science here. In a large, appropriate-sized mug, add the hot coffee and the hot chocolate and mix well.

Add sugar to taste.

Add your desired amount of blackberry brandy.

Top with whipped cream, flip a bird to the driveway and walkway and relax!

I promise you will like this drink!