Hot Buttered Rum

Like wintery spices? Like alcohol? You should probably leave work now, go home and get on this. Not that I would. I don't drink.

• 1 lb light brown sugar
• 1/2 lb unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract (you're using real vanilla, right?)
• dark or spiced rum

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla & spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or just stash it in your freezer until you're ready to use it.

In a pre-heated coffee mug combine 2 heaping tbs of the mix with 1 1⁄2 oz. dark rum.

Top with boiling water and stir well to mix.

Serve with a spoon. Or, if you're feeling fancy (and why wouldn't you be?), serve with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer instead.

What are you waiting for? It's Friday!