A warm and comforting spiced toddy with a delightful blend of orange and apple flavors.
Heat the water in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
Ensure the water is hot enough to dissolve the sugar but not boiling to preserve the flavors.
Add the brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, butter, and orange zest to the hot water and stir to combine.
Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the flavors meld together.
Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the mixture from boiling, which could alter the flavor.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rum.
Adding the rum off the heat preserves its flavor and aroma.
Ladle the toddy into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.
Serve immediately to enjoy the toddy at its best temperature and flavor.
