The Pumpkin Cider is an autumn cocktail that was created by bar manager and author Nick Mautone and was first published in his book The Artisanal Kitchen: Holiday Cocktails. It mixes a brandy and rum base with apple cider, fresh pumpkin, and baking spices to create a warm batch drink that's great for fireside or holiday party sipping.
Combine butter, sugar, and pumpkin cubes in a saucepan over medium heat.
Using a spatula, sauté pumpkin cubes for 6-8 minutes until slightly caramelized on all sides.
Stir apple cider, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks into pumpkin mixture.
Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for 10 more minutes stirring occasionally.
Remove cinnamon sticks, then stir brandy and rum into apple cider mixture.
When warm, ladle cocktail into Irish coffee mugs.
Garnish with grated nutmeg.