This seems like the right kind of drink for the first day of October! Right now I’m sitting on our porch drinking a big mug of hot apple cider this morning… but I love this cocktail recipe for a party. Wouldn’t you love to be sitting outside tonight with a hot cup of cider that is spiked with spiced rum, vanilla and orange? Count me in. Spiked Mulled Cider to warm you from the inside 1 gallon of apple cider or juice 2 cups of spiced rum 1 cup of Mulling Spices* 1 vanilla bean 1 orange, sliced 1 teaspoon of ground clove 1 teaspoon of nutmeg 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise and Cloves for Garnish Put all ingredients into a large pot on your stove and simmer on low. Serve warm. *If you’d like to make your own Mulling Spices, combine whole cloves, star anise, and allspice, OR you can buy it from Williams-Sonoma : Williams-Sonoma Mulling Spices (makes a great gift, too!)