Hot Apple Rum Wassail

The ribbon and cinnamon stick had me at "hello" on this tasty drink. We all need hostess gifts to give during the hoidays and I think this would make an excellent little treat.

Hot Apple Rum Wassail

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 orange

2 quarts apple cider

½ cup light brown sugar

pinch of nutmeg, grated

1 cup dark rum

Cinnamon sticks, garnish

Directions:

1. Stud the orange with cloves, slice.

2. In a medium pot, combine the studded orange slices and the remaining ingredients

except the rum.

3. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and add the rum.

4. To serve immediately - strain, ladle into mugs and garnish with cinnamon stick.

Idea:

Serve it in a punch bowl with fresh apple slices as garnishes.