Hot Apple Cider with Rum It has been so cold lately.  I know it is winter, but it’s California!  Shouldn’t it be sunshine and 70 degrees everyday?  I actually live in the Bay Area so I have been getting used to the near constant scarf and jacket weather, but this winter feels much colder than the last.  That’s why I had to make something to warm up with for the holidays, and I came across Emeril’s recipe for Hot Apple Cider with Rum.  I tried it Christmas Eve and I am Really Into it – so much so that it will be making a reappearance this weekend for New Year’s Eve.  Be careful, this drink is DANGEROUS.  It tastes so good it is easy to have a few too many. The recipe is pretty simple.  Start with a good quality store bought cider, add some fruit and spices, simmer, and then add RUM. I chose Martinell’s Apple Cider because it is one that I have been a fan of in the past.  Plus it comes in a pretty bottle.  I decided to make a double batch, so I put two of these in my big red pot.  After that I sliced two oranges and studded an apple with cloves, which I had never done before, but it looked really pretty. Seeee: Bonus: I finally got a manicure.  I added the oranges, apple, allspice, ground clove and nutmeg to my pot.  The recipe calls for brown sugar, but many reviewers said that was too sweet.  I opted to forgo the brown sugar and I am glad I did because it was plenty sweet on its own.  I brought it to a simmer very, very slowly.  It gave me a chance to get other things ready while my guests arrived and it made the house smell AMAZING. Instead of mixing the rum directly into the pot I decided to keep it on the side, that way anyone could enjoy the drink (we had a couple of little kiddos running around Christmas Eve).  I decided to use a dark, spicy rum and I went with one I was familiar with: Kraken.  It also comes in a pretty bottle (I am a sucker) and it has a really nice flavor. I put it out with some cinnamon sticks and coffee mugs so everyone could mix how they liked. This Hot Apple Cider with Rum is such a nice, warm drink to put into your winter rotation.  I can’t wait to do it again this weekend!  Happy New Year!