Hot buttered spiced apple cider with rum

This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for those readers who are 21 and over. Please drink responsibly. 

How can it be that this is only the second drink containing alcohol that I've shared on this blog?!? I mean, really? I guess it's mainly because my husband and I are generally boring drinkers - beer, whiskey on the rocks, or the occasional glass of wine. We don't really make a lot of mixed drinks except when he whips up a martini every now and again... However, I think it's time to change that. 

I've been wanting to try a buttered rum or hot toddy or some other warm and festive drink for a while now. This drink is a combination of hot buttered rum and hot spiced apple cider and it's delicious - so perfect for the holidays or any cold evening. A lot of the recipes I read for buttered rum were loaded with butter and brown sugar! My version is lighter on both of those and will make two drinks. The addition of butter is just enough to add a touch of creaminess and froth to the drink. 

I'm sharing this cocktail recipe today in celebration of 5 years of this blog! I never imagined I'd still be blogging about recipes and, even crazier, that I don't see an end in sight - I still have so many recipes I want to make and share! I'm thrilled to have "met" so many fantastic, creative, and inspiring people through this medium. I truly thank all of you who stop by and read, leave comments, share and talk on social media, etc. So this drink is a toast to all of you! Cheers!

Hot buttered spiced apple cider with rum
2 cups apple cider
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
good pinch of ground allspice
dash of ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 oz. (or 3 oz. for a stronger drink) dark rum

Combine all of the ingredients except the rum in a small pot. Place over medium-low heat and warm while whisking vigorously until the mixture just comes to a boil. You want the sugar to be dissolved and the butter to be combined and frothy. Quickly whisk in the rum and remove from the heat. 

Pour into two glasses and top with an extra bit of freshly grated nutmeg.