Thaw Out With Hot Rum

January 9, 2022 —  Let’s face it, it’s cold, gray and gloomy but rum producers know how to get us cheered and warmed up deliciously.  January is the month for hot rum with Hot Toddy Day on January 11^th and Hot Buttered Rum Day on January 17.  But you don’t have to wait to get thawed out.  Hot rum drinks are easy to make and just as delightful whether you have just come off the ski slopes or crashing after a hard day at work.

You really don’t need an excuse but if it will make you feel better, consider that back in the 18^th century a hot toddy was the remedy for the common cold.  Our ancestors knew and thing or two!   If you don’t have star anise on hand for the Hot Buttered Rum, try substituting anise seeds, fennel seeds or even Chinese Five Spices.  There’s plenty of suggestions online but go easy on the quantity.  You can always add more.  Same with knobs of butter, an unusual term these days.   

Bacardi Rum Toddy

• 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Añejo Cuatro Rum
• 3 oz hot water
• 1/4 oz honey
• 1 lemon wedge

Method:  Pour hot water into a tempered glass mug. Squeeze the lemon wedge into  the water, add honey and stir until the honey is dissolved. Add Bacardi Añejo Cuatro and stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

Bacardi Hot Buttered Rum

• 2 oz Bacardi Spiced Rum
• 3 oz hot water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1/4 heaping teaspoon soft brown sugar
• 1 1/2 knobs unsalted butter

Method: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan on the stove top over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. After the sugar dissolves, simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse all flavors.  Serve in a tempered glass mug garnished with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.

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