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Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe

I started making this apple cider hot toddy the first chilly week of October, and it's basically all I want to drink until spring. I love how the warm spices and honey turn a simple splash of whiskey into something that feels like a hug in a mug.
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Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider — use real unfiltered cider rather than apple juice for the fullest flavor
  • ¼ lemon juiced — brightens the sweetness and keeps the drink from tasting flat
  • 1 tablespoon honey — the classic toddy sweetener and it dissolves beautifully into warm liquid
  • 1 cinnamon stick — infuses a warm cozy spice note as it simmers
  • 1 star anise pod — adds a subtle licorice warmth that pairs perfectly with apple
  • 2 ounces whiskey or bourbon — the backbone of a traditional toddy though it's easy to leave out
  • Lemon slice for garnish — makes the finished drink look as good as it tastes

Method
 

  1. Add the apple cider, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon stick, and star anise to a small saucepan. Set it over high heat and bring the mixture just up to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so the honey fully dissolves.
  2. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, pull the pan off the heat completely. Let it sit, covered, for about 2 minutes so the cinnamon and star anise have time to release their flavor into the warm cider.
  3. Pour the spiced cider through a fine mesh strainer directly into your favorite heatproof mug. This step keeps the whole spices out of your drink while still leaving behind all that flavor.
  4. Pour in your whiskey or bourbon and give the drink a light stir to combine. Taste it here, and if you'd like a stronger kick, feel free to add another small splash before moving on.
  5. Finish your toddy with a fresh lemon slice or a spare cinnamon stick sitting right in the mug. Serve it immediately while it's still steaming hot for the best experience.

Notes

  • I always use real apple cider instead of apple juice, since the depth of flavor is completely different.
  • I never let the mixture come to a full rolling boil, since that can cook off some of the honey's sweetness.
  • I like warming my mug with hot water first so the drink doesn't cool down too fast once it's poured.
  • I taste my toddy before adding all the whiskey, since different bottles carry very different strengths.
  • I keep extra cinnamon sticks on hand just for garnish, because it makes the drink look so much more festive.