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To make this cozy drink, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 cups apple cider - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream for topping - Cinnamon sticks for garnish You can adjust the measurements if you want to make more or less. For a sweeter drink, add more brown sugar. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar. You can swap apple cider for pear cider for a twist. Each option brings its own flavor, so feel free to explore. Using fresh spices makes a big difference. Ground spices are convenient but may lack the depth of fresh ones. For the best taste, consider using fresh ginger and whole cinnamon sticks. You can grind them at home for a fresher flavor. Experiment with both to find what you enjoy most! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start your cozy drink, gather your ingredients. You need apple cider, brown sugar, butter, and spices. Here’s what to do: - Cream together: - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - ½ cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until smooth. This blend is key to your drink's rich flavor. Next, get your slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of apple cider. Add in the spices: - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Stir well to mix everything. Now, add your butter and sugar mix into the slow cooker. Ensure the butter blends well into the cider. Cover your slow cooker. Set it on low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to mix the flavors. You want the mixture to get warm and cozy. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld. When your drink is ready, ladle it into mugs. Each mug should be warm and inviting. Top each drink with whipped cream. For a nice touch, add a cinnamon stick to each mug. This not only looks good, but it also adds flavor. Enjoy this perfect warm drink on chilly nights! To get the best flavor in your hot buttered rum, use quality spices. Fresh spices will give a stronger taste. Ground spices work well too, but check their freshness. If they are old, they may lack flavor. Mixing spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates warmth and depth. Adjust the brown sugar to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar. For a spicier kick, increase the ginger or add a pinch of cayenne. Timing is key when using a slow cooker. Cook your drink on low for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to mix well. If you want it hotter, cook for an extra hour. Just be careful not to let it boil. Frequent stirring helps blend the butter and spices. It also keeps the drink at a steady temperature. Always taste before serving. This way, you can adjust sweetness or spice levels. Presentation adds charm to this cozy drink. Use clear glass mugs to show off the warm colors. This makes it look more inviting. Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top looks lovely. Adding a cinnamon stick makes a great stirrer and adds flavor. You can also serve with a slice of apple on the rim for extra flair. These small touches make your hot buttered rum a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Pro Tips Mixing it Right: Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing with the brown sugar, creating a smooth and creamy base for your drink. Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warm flavor profile of the drink. Serve it Hot: This drink is best served warm. Keep the slow cooker on warm after it's done cooking to maintain the perfect serving temperature. Add a Personal Touch: Experiment with additional flavors by incorporating a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult twist on this cozy beverage. {{image_2}} You can make this drink your own by adding flavors. Try using spiced rum instead of regular rum for a warm kick. You can also add a splash of orange juice or apple pie spice for a fruity twist. If you love chocolate, a bit of cocoa powder can create a rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, swap the butter for coconut oil. You can use a non-dairy whipped topping too. For a lower sugar choice, try a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This way, you can still enjoy the warm comfort without the extra sugar. Want to enjoy this drink without alcohol? Just leave out the rum and add more apple cider. You can also mix in some ginger ale for a fizzy touch. This makes it a cozy drink for everyone, including kids. The spices and butter still give it that warm, rich flavor we love. To store leftovers, let the hot buttered rum cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Seal it tightly and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, pour the mixture into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to boil it, as that can change the flavor. Hot buttered rum is best enjoyed fresh. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 5 days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container with the date. That way, you’ll know when to use it by. Hot buttered rum is a classic drink from the 1800s. It started as a way to warm up during cold months. The drink became popular in New England. Sailors often enjoyed it, mixing rum with butter, sugar, and spices. Over time, people added apple cider for a twist. This version keeps the original spirit while making it cozy and festive. Yes, you can use other types of cider. While apple cider is traditional, you can try pear or spiced cider. Each type gives a unique flavor and warmth. If you want a sweeter drink, go for a sweeter cider. If you prefer a tart flavor, choose a tart cider. Experimenting can lead to delightful new tastes. Making this recipe in advance is easy. You can prepare the butter and sugar mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you need it. When you’re ready, just add it to the cider and spices in the slow cooker. This drink can stay warm for hours. It’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in. This blog post covered how to make a great Hot Buttered Rum. We started with the right ingredients, including fresh and ground spices. Then, we walked through each step, from prep to cooking in a slow cooker. I shared tips for flavor balance and ways to adjust cooking times. You learned about fun variations and how to properly store leftovers. In the end, you can enjoy this drink your way, whether you want to mix flavors or make it alcohol-free. Keep experimenting to find your perfect blend!

Cozy Hot Buttered Rum Delight

A warm and comforting drink made with apple cider and spices, perfect for cozy evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 serving whipped cream for topping
  • 1 serving cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • In your slow cooker, pour in the apple cider and add the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  • Stir in the butter and sugar mixture until well combined. Make sure the butter is well blended into the cider.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and flavors meld together.
  • Once ready, ladle the warm mixture into mugs.
  • Top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Notes

Serve the hot buttered rum in clear glass mugs to showcase the beautiful colors, and float a cinnamon stick in each drink for an attractive touch.
Keyword apple cider, hot drink, spiced rum