Strong, bold, and flavorful, this drink is an elixir for those trapped in the dead of winter. Enjoy by the fire, preferably with Frank Sinatra playing in the background.
TRY IT WITH: An aged gouda. “There’s something about rum and the butterscotch-y notes of a L’Amuse, or an aged Beemster, or Remeker; they’re just so soothing together,” says Tenaya Darlington. The vanilla notes of Ron Zacapa work particularly well with the sweet notes of the cheese—it’s almost dessert in a glass (with a kick, of course). We love salty-sweet Uniekaas Vintage Gouda.
Spiced Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
1 star anise
Combine all ingredients in a small pot, and bring to a boil, until sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature, and strain out solids. Refrigerate leftover syrup in a glass container for up to 4 weeks.