Hot Rum-and-Pineapple Toddies: A Warming "Simple Saturday Sipper" with a Tropical Twist

Uh-oh..two cocktails in two weeks as my "Simple Saturday Sippers"--maybe I need an intervention?! It's really that I just couldn't resist making these Hot Rum-and-Pineapple Toddies after seeing them in this month's Everyday With Rachel Ray magazine. Confession time--I am not a big Rachel Ray fan, frankly she drives me a bit crazy, but I had picked up the magazine while waiting in line and found a couple of recipes in it that looked intriguing. This drink was created by Scott Beattie, mixologist and author of "Artisanal Cocktails". He tops his toddies with maple-whipped cream, but since I am not doing dairy I left it off (although I am sure it was quite delicious that way!), and instead garnished with small skewers of grilled pineapple chunks. It's a great cocktail for a cold night when you need a warm drink with a little island flavor.

Hot Rum-and-Pineapple Toddies

Scott Beattie, Everyday With Rachel Ray, March 2010

(Makes 4)

1 cup pineapple juice

3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup dark rum

In a small saucepan, bring the pineapple juice , 2 tablespoons maple syrup, the lemon juice and cinnamon stick to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes; remove from the heat.

Meanwhile in a medium bowl, beat the cream with the remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup until soft peaks form.

Divide the pineapple-maple mixture among 4 small teacups or mugs. Discard the cinnamon stick. Add 1/4 cup rum to each cup; top with the maple whipped cream.

Notes/Results: Oh yeah...that warms the throat and right on down! The pineapple juice (I used fresh,100% juice) and the maple syrup make it rich and sweet and are perfect with the dark rum. It's an easy drink to make, is quite delicious and packs a punch--probably the reason for the small serving sizes. I would make this again.

Happy Saturday! I am headed out early to the farmers market and then to a vegetarian pressure cooking class--time to stop being chicken and learn to use my pressure cooker! ;-)

What are you doing today?