You can mix up the base for Hot Buttered Rum and keep it in the freezer until you are ready to make a batch. Perfect for holiday get-togethers.

I was introduced to Hot Buttered Rum after skiing in Beaver Creek, Colorado a few years ago and have been in love with it ever since. This cocktail recipe is perfect for the holidays because you can make a large batch in advance and keep the mixture in the freezer until you're ready to use it. Then all you have to do is scoop the mixture into a mug, add the rum, and fill with hot water.

This recipe is really rich-- almost like a dessert and it is soooo yummy.

HOT BUTTERED RUM

INGREDIENTS

1 pound Confectioners' sugar

1 pound brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Pinch ground cloves

Pinch of salt

1 pound unsalted butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 quart good quality vanilla ice cream, melted

DIRECTIONS:

Sift the dry ingredients together into the bowl of your mixer. Add the butter and vanilla. On medium high speed, cream the butter and sugars together. Lower the speed and drizzle in the melted ice cream, a little at a time, scraping down the sides as you go.

Freeze until firm.

To make a mug: Place 1 1/2 ounces good quality dark rum (I like Appleton Estates) in a mug along with two generous scoops of the mix-- more if you have a big mug. Fill the mug with boiling water. Top with a little fresh grated nutmeg-- just a little- and serve with a cinnamon stick for garnish.