Candied Pecan Apple Cider | Cocktail
A festive cold weather apple cider spiked with rum and a sweet pecan liqueur.
Cold winds have finally blown back into Texas. Finally, they're back. I for one am thrilled to throw on my coziest sweater, my red plaid jacket, the scarf I never get to wear and of course the quintessential cold weather footgear, Uggs. I'll roam around town, knocking out my household errands, enjoying the bursts of cold air as I go to-and-from my car. My husband however will be throwing on a pair of long Johns, his Carhartt coveralls and his warmest beanie. You see, my guy's company does landscaping design and installation, which means he spends the majority of each day outside in the elements, rain or shine, hot or cold. Needless to say, he doesn't necessarily get as pumped up about extreme cold fronts as I do, and rightfully so.
Tonight just so happens to be date night and we have decided to stay in this time around. We'll send the kiddos off to their grandparents for a little quality time, and spend a quiet evening at home. When my husband comes home from work, chilled to bone, I'll greet him with this hot little toddy, perfect for slow sipping after a hard day's work. What a relaxing way to take the chill out of your bones. In fact, I'll probably be looking forward to a nice relaxing cocktail as well after a day of shuffling a toddler and a six-year-old in and out of the car...not to mention taming them throughout each stop. Yeah, I'll definitely need one, too.
If you're looking to slow sip a hot toddy on a cold winters day, this cider's got your name written all over it. It begins with spiced apple cider warmed on the stove top. Simply ladle it into your favorite mug, splash in some spiced rum and pecan liqueur and hit it with a dollop of whipped cream.
For the Whipped Cream (optional):
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners (powdered) sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cocktail:
2 1/2 cups Honey Crisp apple cider
Generous pinch ground allspice
Generous pinch of ground cinnamon
4 ounces spiced rum
4 ounces pecan liqueur
To make the whipped cream, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cream, sugar and vanilla. Alternatively, use a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, or until the cream stands up without limping over when you hold the paddle or beaters right-side up. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the apple cider along with the spices, stir and allow to come to a simmer. Remove from the heat and ladle just over a half cup into a mug. Add an ounce of both the spiced rum and pecan liqueur. Stir and top with whipped cream. Serve and enjoy.
Makes 4 beverages.
Would pair well with:
