– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
– ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
– 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ tsp ground cloves
– ⅛ teaspoon salt
– half-gallon (64 ounces) all natural apple cider
– cinnamon sticks (optional)
– rum or apple brandy (optional)

Make spiced butter by combining butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt in a small bowl. Use a plastic spatula to transfer butter mixture to the middle of a 12″ x 12″ piece of plastic wrap. Fold plastic wrap over butter mixture and shape into a log, twisting ends to seal closed. Refrigerate until ready to use. Bring apple cider to a simmer over medium heat in a large pot, then turn heat to low. Remove spiced butter from plastic wrap and cut into 1-inch pieces. Add to hot cider and stir continuously until all butter is melted. Ladle buttered cider into mug, garnish with cinnamon stick and top with a shot of rum or apple brandy if desired. Serve hot. Serves 8.