My alcohol story has become a valued tradition for our cold weather trips.  My buddy who introduced me to the Quetico -- about 12 years older than me -- would cap off each evening with a steaming cup of Russian Tea spiked with a few glugs of brandy.  My friend is a man of habit and ritual.  Scooping out the Russian Tea mix into our cups, adding the water, then spiking it with a bit of brandy was carried out with the utmost care.  Our evening Russian Tea and Brandy was something we talked about under a tarp during those cold spring rains, or as we sat, winded on shore trying to get back to camp.  On those raw days, there is nothing better to end the day than sipping this hot spicy mix before crawling into the tent.  Long after my friend has hung up his paddle, I'll always think of him as I continue the tradition.