Hot Apple Toddy

Ever had a real hot apple cider? Oh man, they are good. Unfortunately, at least around here, they are hard to find. Try making your own hot apple cider substitute:

1 cup freshly pressed apple juice or pure apple cider if you can find it
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 cinnamon stick
freshly ground nutmeg
1 oz fine Jamaican rum (optional)

Place all ingredients but the rum in a saucepan and bring to a low simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occassionally. Add the rum just before serving if you need an extra kick-in-the-pants. Great on wintery evenings before a roaring fire; or out camping in the woods, just as the ghost stories start. 🙂