The Spicy Hot Buttered Rum Recipe You've Been Looking For

When I crunch my way through frozen grass to the mailbox, I know it's time to stock up on hot toddy mix (also known as spicy hot buttered rum). If you think a hot beverage on a fall or winter evening is one of those comfort indulgences you can't live without, this mix belongs in your life. It's alcoholic or not, depending on your personal preference, and holds up in the fridge from around Halloween to New Year's Day. It's also chock full of those aromatic, warming spices you associate with evenings spent in front of the fire or watching Christmas classics on television.

Cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg are all in there, giving flavor to the brown sugar and butter base. The butter makes this beverage go down smooth and feel fulsome but not heavy, and the addition of a little cardamom pulls it all together.  The recipe calls for rum, but it's delicious without the alcoholic libation.

This one is special whether you're indulging alone or serving it to guests with a cinnamon swizzle stick and a full head of whipped cream dotted with ground nutmeg.  Consider it my gift to house bound gardeners everywhere.

If you only add one new recipe element to your holiday this year, make it this luscious little beverage.  It's a sip of goodness for sure.


Hot Rum Toddy Recipe

Ingredients

1 stick salted butter
1/2 lb. light brown sugar
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom (Don't skip this)
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
Pinch allspice
Rum (Dark)

Combine all ingredients but the rum into a batter. You can do this by hand or using a food processor.  Cover and refrigerate.

To Serve:

Place two tablespoons of batter into a mug.

Add 6 ounces of boiling water.

Add 1 1/2 to 2/12 jiggers of rum (This can be optional, and the quantity depends on your taste for alcohol.)

Stir thoroughly.

For a festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle a little ground nutmeg on top.

This recipe will make about 8 servings, and can be doubled or tripled.


Photo courtesy of Flickr User Jill Robidoux - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jylcat/8483109237/in/photolist