Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe

An Apple Cider Hot Toddy is a fun twist on the classic Hot Toddy, a traditional fall cocktail made with whiskey, hot water, tea, honey, and lemon, served warm. In addition to the usual ingredients, an Apple Cider Hot Toddy features apple cider, giving the drink a delicious apple flavor and a dash of spice.

The Hot Toddy is traditionally made with whiskey—and you can use Scotch, rye, or bourbon to create different flavor experiences. You can also swap out the whiskey for brandy. Consider using apple brandy to boost the apple flavor. For a higher-proof cocktail, add a splash of applejack, a high-ABV liquor made from fermented and distilled apples.

Consider the following tips for making an Apple Cider Hot Toddy:

1. 1. Use fresh-pressed apple cider. The gold standard is fresh-pressed apple cider from your local orchard. When this seasonal option is unavailable, go for quality, unfiltered cider. Apple juice will work in a pinch, but it is not as rich as apple cider.
2. 2. Add sweeteners. For additional sweetness, you can add a sweetener like honey. Agave nectar and maple syrup are other popular sweeteners. Alternatively, muddle brown sugar and lemon juice at the bottom of the mug before adding the other liquids.
3. 3. Spice it up. Cinnamon, whole cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and ginger are spices that can add dimension to your hot toddy. Infusing these in the apple cider ahead of time is a great way to deepen the finished product's flavor.
4. 4. Add garnishes. You can add fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs to add flavor and flair to an Apple Cider Hot Toddy.
5. 5. Make a batch of toddies. The Apple Cider Hot Toddy is the perfect drink to make in a large batch for holiday gatherings. Adjust the measurements for the number of people you’ll be serving by adding cups of apple cider, one per person, and scale up the sweeteners and spices. You can prepare the cocktails in a slow cooker to keep all the ingredients warm, then serve the toddies with a ladle.