Autumn Ember Rum Warmer

Ingredients

Prepare the Cider Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, maple syrup, and fresh ginger slices.
Gently Warm: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it is warm and steaming, but not boiling. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to infuse the ginger flavour.
Strain (Optional): Carefully strain the cider mixture into a heatproof mug or glass to remove the ginger slices, or leave them in for a stronger ginger kick.
Add Rum: Pour the dark spiced rum into the warmed cider mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a strip of orange peel. Serve immediately and savour the warmth.

Don't Boil the Cider: Overheating can diminish the delicate apple flavour and make the drink too harsh. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preference. For a less sweet drink, reduce it to 10ml, or add a little more for a sweeter treat.
Ginger Intensity: For a more pronounced ginger flavour, you can muddle the ginger slices slightly before warming, or grate a tiny amount directly into the mug before serving.
Quality Ingredients: The quality of your spiced rum and apple cider will significantly impact the final taste. Choose a good quality, robust spiced rum and a crisp, flavourful apple cider.

Spiced Cider Base: For an extra layer of spice, add a couple of whole cloves or a star anise pod to the cider mixture while it warms. Remember to remove them before serving.
Citrus Twist: Instead of just an orange peel, you could add a thin slice of orange or a lemon twist as an additional garnish.
Boozy Cider: If you prefer, you can use an alcoholic apple cider as the base, but be mindful that this will increase the overall alcohol content of the drink.
Batch for a Crowd: For a gathering, scale up the recipe and keep the cider mixture warm in a slow cooker on a low setting. Add the rum to individual servings.