There’s something special about sipping a warm, spiced cocktail when the weather turns crisp. The Hot Gold is one of those drinks that feels like a cozy blanket in a mug—sweet, citrusy, and gently boozy with just enough spice to warm you from the inside out. It’s been my go-to cocktail for chilly nights around the fire, and I thought I’d share my favorite way to make it. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit with friends.
Hot Gold
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Equipment: Irish coffee glass or a sturdy mug, small saucepan (optional)
Ingredients
– 120 ml (4 oz) apple cider
– 60 ml (2 oz) gold rum
– 30 ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice
– 60 ml (2 oz) hot water
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
Method
- Warm your glass. Pour hot water into your Irish coffee glass or mug, let it sit for a minute to warm up the glass, then pour it out. This helps keep your drink hot longer.
- Mix the base. In the warm glass, stir together the honey, hot apple cider, and hot water until the honey fully dissolves. If your honey is thick, you can heat the cider and water in a small saucepan first to help it blend more easily.
- Add the punch. Pour in the gold rum and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- Garnish and serve. Drop in a cinnamon stick for a little extra spice and aroma. Serve right away while it’s hot.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice—bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Try raw or local honey for a more complex sweetness.
– Toast the cinnamon stick in a dry pan for a few seconds before garnishing to release extra aroma—it smells amazing.
– If you’re making a few drinks, you can keep the cider, water, and honey warm in a slow cooker. Just add rum and lemon juice as you serve.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the apple cider, honey, lemon juice, and water ahead of time and keep it warm in a thermos or slow cooker. Add the rum just before serving to keep the alcohol from evaporating.
Ingredient Swaps
– No gold rum? Use bourbon for a deeper, smokier flavor.
– Prefer a lighter drink? Try ginger ale instead of rum for a mocktail version.
– Vegan? Use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey.
– Want something fruitier? Swap in pear cider instead of apple cider for a different twist.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Hot Gold
– Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey before mixing.
– The heat sneaks up on you—perfect for spice lovers.
Citrus Hot Gold
– Mix in a splash of orange juice along with the lemon juice.
– It adds brightness and a little extra zing.
Maple Hot Gold
– Swap honey for maple syrup.
– It gives the drink a richer, deeper sweetness—think cozy cabin vibes.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Gold pairs beautifully with comfort foods. Try these:
Spiced Nuts
Their crunch and seasoning balance the drink’s sweetness.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The melty, buttery goodness is a perfect match for the warm spices.
Pumpkin Pie
The cinnamon and citrus in the cocktail really bring out the best in this classic dessert.
Storage Tips
Leftover cider mix (without rum) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before adding rum and serving.
Fun Facts
– Hot Gold is often served during fall and winter get-togethers, but honestly, it’s good anytime you want something warming and a little festive.
– Its golden color and warm spices make it feel like a seasonal celebration in a glass.
– It can be served warm or chilled, though I always prefer it hot—it’s like a hug in a mug.
FAQs
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. Keep the cider, honey, water, and lemon juice warm in a slow cooker, and add the rum to each glass right before serving.
What’s the best rum to use?
A smooth, aged gold rum works great. It adds warmth without overpowering the other flavors. But feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
Can kids enjoy this?
Yes! Just leave out the rum. You’ll still have a delicious, cozy drink with all the apple and spice goodness.
Is this only for holidays?
Not at all! I’ve made this drink countless times on random cool evenings when I wanted something comforting and special.
How do I make it look extra nice?
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a thin slice of apple, or even a star anise for a pretty finish.
Any shortcuts?
Sure—use premade spiced cider to skip the seasoning, or microwave the cider and water together before mixing to speed things up.
Whether you’re curled up with a book or hosting a few friends, the Hot Gold brings a little warmth and sparkle to the moment. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always hits the spot.
