Advent Calendar Day 7

 

If you've read Hide and Seek, you know that hot buttered rum figures into the story at a crucial juncture. ;-) Hot buttered rum is one of those traditional cocktails which frequently figures in fiction--especially vintage mystery fiction--although I know very few people who've actually ever consumed one! 

Well, here's your chance to join that elite crew of inebriate intellectuals. ;-D I've heard this drink described as a "Christmas cookie in a cup," which is enough to convince me to give it a try this season.

Ingredients

For the batter (you read that right) which is best made ahead of time (seriously):

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly ground is best)

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(this should make enough for approximately four cocktails)

For Each Cocktail: 

2/3 cup hot water

2 tablespoons (1 ounce) batter (see above) or more 

2 ounces dark rum (spiced is okay but it can change the balance of flavors)

Sweetened whipped cream sprinkled with ground nutmeg (for topping)

Instructions:

Again, make the batter ahead of time! 

To make the batter: 

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

(You can double the batch and store in the freezer if you like)

To make each cocktail:

Combine the hot water with about a quarter of the batter in a mug and then stir vigorously to combine.

Add in the rum and stir to combine. Taste, and add additional batter if you like it a bit sweeter or spicier.

Top with a large dollop of whipped cream and fresh grated nutmeg.

In order to get the full classic mystery experience, I recommend you spend the afternoon asking shrewd questions about cold case murders at the local castle, run for your life from a faceless enemy (someone disguised as a cowled monk would be ideal) across the moors, hook up with your romantic interest and drink at least one hot buttered rum each before retiring to your spooky chamber in the creepy hostel you're staying in because...the Hilton was booked? 

LET ME KNOW HOW IT ALL TURNS OUT.

Note: It turns out I offered a hot buttered rum recipe in 2021 too! But this looks like the real deal. We shall soon find out!