Hot Buttered Spiked Cider

When temperatures drop, winds are blustery, and a heavy sweater just won't do the trick, this Hot Buttered Spiked Cider recipe is here to warm you from the inside out. The apple cider and dark brown sugar simmer with pumpkin pie spice blend — made with spices like cinnamon and ginger — that drives home the autumnal vibes, and is also a quick and simple way to add flavor to the drink. The cider easily comes together on the stovetop. As it heats up and comes to a boil, it's important to whisk the mixture often — this helps prevent it from separating and also gives each sip a buttery mouthfeel.

Once the cider is done cooking, all that's left is to spike it with rum. We chose to use a spiced gold rum here, which adds even more warmth to the drink and gives it pleasant spiced undertones. Serve the cider in coffee mugs and finish each off with an elegant garnish of cinnamon sticks wrapped in orange peel strips. The resulting drink is well-balanced — not too strong or sweet — and great for entertaining, especially if you're hosting outdoors during cooler months. (Just make sure to serve it right away, so it's nice and hot.) The best part of all? The cider is ready in just 10 minutes, so you can easily pull it together right before your guests arrive and have cozy, fragrant mugs at the ready.