Beverage
3 cups spiced apple cider
1/2 cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 generous pinch of salt
2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter
3/4 cup dark spiced rum
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
sliced apples and cinnamon sticks for serving
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cider, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes.
2. Uncover, return to medium heat, and add butter. Stir until melted. Remove from heat, stir in rum and lemon juice. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves. Add sliced apples before serving. I like to serve the cider in mugs with cinnamon sticks for garnish.