BATTER BASE:

2 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 stick soft butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of nutmeg
2 tbsp. dark rum

TO SERVE:

2 c. rum
16 cinnamon sticks

In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg and sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons rum to soften mixture. Blend together and refrigerate until ready to prepare drinks.

To serve: Place a heaping tablespoon of the batter base in each mug. Add an ounce of rum to each mug and pour in enough hot water to fill the mug. Place a cinnamon stick in each mug as a swizzle stick. Makes 16 servings.