Apple fans will enjoy Hot Buttered Apple Cider.
Photo: Jan Flaska, SXC

Brr! Santa has brought plenty of snow and cold for Kansas City this Christmas, so a hot cocktail is just the ticket. And you can't ask for a better cocktail for easy entertaining. It can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, covered. Just reheat before serving.

Hot Buttered Apple Cider Recipe
Serves 12

• 12 c. apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 3 c. Calvados (apple brandy)
• 3/4 c. fresh lemon juice
• 7 tbsp. packed brown sugar
• 6 tbs. butter
• 12 cinnamon sticks
• nutmeg

Combine the Calvados, brown sugar, and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Add the apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and ladle the cider into 12 cups. Include a cinnamon stick in each cup. Dust with grated nutmeg to garnish.

The small print disclaimer: The makers of many (but not all) of the products reviewed in Kansas City Cocktails have provided free samples to review. A free product will guarantee that it will get sampled. It does not guarantee a good review. If I say I liked it, I liked it.