Happy Hour: Hot Spiced Rum Apple Cider

Normally, we indulge in this this cozy cocktail while carving pumpkins each year—a tradition that Shawn and I started in our college days in NH (where cider is the official beverage!). Since this October didn’t bring the bone-chilling days that we normally see toward the end of the month, we waited. And I’m so glad we did. Hot spiked cider next to a fire has been the cure for this week’s lower temps and it made me remember what I love about this time of year so much!

Ingredients

1 orange, sliced
4 cups apple cider
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
Cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup dark spiced rum (we use The Kraken)
Cider mug (ours is from Pottery Barn)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine 4 orange slices, 2 cinnamon sticks, apple cider and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Remove from the heat and add the rum. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick and orange slice. Enjoy, next to a cozy fire if possible!

*Photo by Yours Truly