Slooow as Molasses Cocktail
Since we’ve got no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow and kick back with this relaxing rummy recipe to enjoy the time inside. This gingered hot toddy uses dark rum that harmonizes with the molasses and brown sugar. As you savor each sip, let the blend of spices and the warmth from the rum take you to a place of cozy contentment. And with sugar-rimmed mugs and chocolate-dipped candied ginger on the side, this is an experience of pure opulence. It just feels right at a winter get-together. It’s probably a bit decadent and labor-intensive to do every night. But it’s perfect for a party. Go get a little tipsy with your friends and make some warm memories. The recipe is for 10 and works great in a slooow cooker.
Ingredients
- Sugar-Rimmed Mugs (optional, see below)
- Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger (optional, see below)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 cups milk (fat-free, 2% or whole)
- 1 ½ cups dark rum
Directions
If desired, prepare Sugar-Rimmed Cups and/or Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger for garnishes.
In small saucepan combine water, molasses, brown sugar and ginger. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
In large saucepan heat milk over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot. Do not boil. Gradually stir molasses mixture into hot milk. Remove from heat. Stir in rum.
Ladle milk mixture into ten 10- to 12-ounce mugs. Serve with Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger, if desired.
Sugar-Rimmed Mugs
On small shallow plate combine ½ cup sanding sugar (coarse crystal sugar) and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. On another small shallow plate place ⅓ cup dark rum. Dip rims of ten 10- to 12-ounce mugs in rum, then in sugar mixture. Let stand at least 2 hours or until sugar dries.
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger
In small microwave-safe cup combine ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons shortening. Microwave on high (100% power) for 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Dip one edge of 10 pieces of candied ginger into chocolate. Place on wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Let stand until firm. Thread onto 10 cocktail picks.
Slow Cooker Option
Prepare recipe as directed above in steps 1 through 3, but do not stir in rum. Pour hot milk mixture into 3 ½- to 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and keep warm on low-heat setting for up to 5 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Before serving, place 2 ½ tablespoons rum into each mug. Ladle hot milk mixture over rum. Serve as directed above.