Spice Mixture:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups Light Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp each ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves

For Each Serving:
1 cup apple cider
1 ounce dark rum, optional
Cinnamon stick, for garnish
1 whole spiced crab apple and/or 1/2 slice seedless orange, for garnish

 

For the spiced mixture, cream butter and light brown sugar in a small bowl. Blend in spices. Transfer mixture to a jar. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. (Keeps indefinitely)

For each serving,place a tablespoon of the spice mixture in a 10 ounce clear glass heat proof mug. Heat the cider until it is very hot. Pour the rum (if desired), then the hot cider, into the mug. Garnish with the cinnamon stick, and the crab apple and/or orange slice, and serve.