Virgin Hot-Buttered Rum/Brandy (no alcohol)

Simple as can be. That old north wind is blowing in Bellingham right now, and hot-buttered rum hits the spot, especially if you've been out in the cold.

1.) Go to the grocery store and purchase some hot-buttered rum batter. Harvey's is a popular brand, but Haggen makes their own this time of year, as well. I think Reser's also makes it (I'm a Harvey's man, myself).

2.) Go to the spices section and pick up a bottle of rum or brandy flavoring, or both (Locals: Fred Meyer has both varieties).

3.) Prepare according to instructions, substituting a few drops of the flavoring for the booze.

4.) Sprinkle a bit of cinammon and/or nutmeg on top, as you like it. Garnish with cinammon stick and/or lemon.

5.) Be warm, and make merry!

If you prefer alcohol in it...well, you know what to do. :)

Those festive old drinks

Here are variety of links to recipes for festive Christmas drinks, some dating back centuries. Those marked with an (A) contain alcohol.

• How to make authentic Wassail (A)

• Potus Ypocras (A) (spiced wine with honey - scroll down for modern recipe)

• Hot mulled apple cider (the recipes for mulled cider are extremely diverse. I've chosen this one, because it can be made without alcohol, or with, by simply adding a half cup of brandy)

• Hot Buttered Rum (scaleable) (A) (Keep in mind that brandy or even whiskey can be substituted for rum, and a few drops of rum flavoring may be added for a non-alcohol version)

• Rum Punch(A)

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate (for a "happy" version, hold the peppermint oil and substitute peppermint Schnapps; for a "quick and dirty" version use instant cocoa, garnish with canned whipped cream and shaved bittersweet chocolate).