Polar Bear

From Bon Appetit, February 2007. This is a rich, aromatic (and potent) version of hot buttered rum. Yum!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups  packed golden brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 4  cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups dark rum
• 1 1⁄2 cups brandy
• 8  cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Place brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in food processor.
2. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean.
3. Process until blended.
4. Bring 4 cups water to boil in large saucepan.
5. Add rum, brandy, and butter mixture; stir until butter melts.
6. Ladle into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks.