On a sub-zero day when an icy cocktail just doesn’t cut it, turn to an old-fashioned drink that still has legs: hot buttered rum. Though the drink dates to the 17th century, trendsetting bars are including it among their cold-weather craft cocktails. Our cottage-easy recipe starts with a spiced “butter batter” that you can make ahead and keep on hand all winter. It’s a delicious treat to serve up at an outdoor winter party. For holiday gift-giving, pair it with a bottle of dark rum, and add a card with the serving directions.
Hot Buttered Rum Batter
1⁄2 lb butter, room temperature
2 cups lightly packed dark brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
A pinch of sea salt
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat together with an electric mixer until creamy. Batter will keep in a covered container in the fridge for at least two weeks or in the freezer for longer. Makes enough for about 16 drinks.
When ready to serve
For each drink, bring a generous 2 tbsp of batter to room temperature. Place in a warm 10 oz mug with 11⁄2–2 oz of good-quality dark rum. Top with boiling water and stir vigorously. Serve steaming hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange peel.
Variation
Switch up the flavours by trying this simple twist! To make a Buttered rum apple cider: replace 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 of the water with hot apple cider.
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