Hot Buttered Rum Cider

Yields 6 servings.

6 tablespoons butter (NOT margarine)
6 tablespoons packed brown sugar
12 tablespoons rum
6 cups apple cider
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cinnamon sticks

Heat cider, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon to boiling in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.

Strain cider mixture to remove cloves and cinnamon, if desired.

Place 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons rum into each mug. Fill with hot cider.