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Home ·  Recipes ·  Cocktails

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Author: Maryanne CabreraPublished: Oct 16, 2014Updated: Sep 19, 2022
View Recipe19 Reviews
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Apple cider hot toddy has the additional kick of spiced apple cider. Hot toddy is a classic winter beverage that is served warm and strong.

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Sometimes the week goes by terribly, unbelievably slow and Friday can’t come soon enough.  

And then there are other days that zoom by without any warning and next thing you know, wham, bam!

For days when everything is happening too fast, a stiff drink is definitely in order.

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Spiced Cider Hot Toddy

Hot toddy is a classic winter beverage. It is served warm and strong.  

This apple cider hot toddy is comprised of the same components of a tradition toddy with the additional kick of spiced apple cider.

Apple cider hot toddy is my drink of choice as I try to relax and regain my sanity before I must start planning the menu for Thanksgiving dinner.

Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Ingredient Intel

What is apple cider?

The labeling of “apple cider” versus “apple juice” varies from state to state.

The apple cider used in this recipe refers to unfiltered apple juice.

Unfiltered apple juice is a bit cloudier and thicker than your standard boxed apple juice.

Apple cider should only have one ingredient- apples! 

Visit an apple orchard or a local farmers’ market to find real deal fresh pressed apple cider.

Don’t confused “apple cider” for hard cider, alcoholic apple cider, or sparkling apple cider. Those are completely different products! 

More Apple Cider Recipes

Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider

Apple Cider Layer Cake. Yellow cake flavored with apple cider. Layered cake is filled with cooked apples and frosted with apple cider buttercream.

Apple Cider Layer Cake

Apple Cider Sangria

Apple Cider Sangria

Apple Harvest Punch

Liquor Options

I used “honey whiskey” to amp up the honey flavors. Many brands carry this honey version.

The most popular readily available ones include: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Wild Turkey American Honey, and Jim Bean Honey Bourbon Whiskey.

You may substitute in any bourbon or whiskey of your choice.

Rum and brandy are also great substitutes in place of whiskey.

Large Batch Hot Toddy

This hot toddy is easy to scale up for a large crowd or party.

Serve the hot cider in a slow cooker (or crockpot) to keep it warm.

Large Batch

Cider Hot Toddy for 15 servings

In a large pot or slow cooker pot, combine:

  • 50 oz apple cider
  • 10 cinnamon stocks
  • 10 star anise
  • 40 whole cloves

Bring to a boil. Steep spices for 10-15 minutes. Strain out spices.

Add in:

  • 8 Tbsp honey
  • 2o oz whiskey
  • 5 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

Stir to combine. Add more honey or sugar depending on your sweetness preferences. Serve warm. Garnish with sliced apples, sliced lemons, and cinnamon sticks.

While this cocktail is best served warm, it is quite refreshing when served over ice!

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Hot toddy is a classic winter beverage that is served warm and strong. This apple cider hot toddy has the additional kick of spiced apple cider.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 3
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 10 oz apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon honey
  • 4 oz honey whiskey, or whiskey of choice
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepot, combine apple cider, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and cover with a lid.  Allow spices to steep for 10-15 minutes. 
  • Strain spices. Stir in honey to dissolve. Add whiskey and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Add more honey according to taste, if desired. Serve with sliced apples, sliced lemons, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Notes

  • I used honey whiskey to amp up the honey flavors.  You can also substitute rum or brandy.  If you like drinks sweet, add a ton of honey as this drink is pretty strong. 
Author: Maryanne Cabrera
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot toddy, spiced hot toddy, winter cocktails, apple cider cocktail
Did you make this recipe?Show us on Instagram! Tag @littleepicurean and hashtag #littleepicurean.
19 Reviews
Filed in:
Cocktails · Coffee & TeaApple · Fall + Winter · Fruits · Halloween · Thanksgiving · Whiskey

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Reader Questions and Reviews

  1. Liz @ Floating Kitchen says:
    October 16, 2014

    Bring on the apple recipes!! The more the better, in my opinion. Especially if there is alcohol involved…:-). Gorgeous drink!

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      October 20, 2014

      Thank you Liz! There’s another apple recipe coming up this week ;) I have to space them out so I don’t get tried of them!

  2. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says:
    October 17, 2014

    You really are a genius when it comes to boozy beverages. I love your creativity with this hot toddy. And honey whiskey is my all time favorite! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      October 20, 2014

      Thanks Jen! :)

  3. Thalia+@+butter+and+brioche says:
    October 17, 2014

    I really wish I had one of these hot toddys to devour right now.. I can definitely see myself making the recipe this upcoming Christmas season too!

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      October 20, 2014

      I wish I could just send you a cup! This would totally be perfect for the Christmas season!

  4. Zainab @Blahnik Baker says:
    October 17, 2014

    Oh this is just incredible!! I am all about apples this week, this month and hopefully all winter :)

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      October 20, 2014

      Thank you Zainab! :)

  5. Annie @ ciaochowbambina says:
    October 18, 2014

    These look absolutely delicious and I love your photos!

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      October 20, 2014

      Thank you Annie! :)

  6. Carla (@charliesue) says:
    October 21, 2014

    No, seriously. I feel like you’ve been making all your recipes especially for me this past week or so. DELICIOUS.

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      October 23, 2014

      Maybe I am… :)

  7. Julie says:
    December 28, 2015

    This looks delicious! Can you make this in a crock pot to keep warm throughout a dinner party? If so when would you add the alcohol?

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      December 28, 2015

      Hi Julie! Follow the directions as is, including adding the alcohol. Then you can transfer it to a crock pot and keep it warm on the low setting. The whiskey should not evaporate.

  8. Cindy Rodriguez says:
    November 12, 2017

    I love a good hot toddy especially now that the nights are getting cooler in LA, finally! This looks so delicious!

    Reply
  9. Anna Martinussen says:
    December 4, 2017

    Hi, if you I want to serve the drink with a foam, what kind of foam would you recommend? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Maryanne Cabrera says:
      December 5, 2017

      I would make a honey form or caramel foam.

  10. Robin Diullo says:
    November 12, 2018

    I enjoy making hot beverages when its snowing and cold and I appreciate you letting me share your recipes with you

    Reply
  11. RosaliE says:
    November 22, 2018

    What should my new favorite winter drink be called?
    It’s Hot hard apple cider with a shot of Jameson?
    Suggestions for simple additions are welcome! I want to call it something appropriate for its Jameson root.

    Reply
Maryanne Cabrera

Meet the Author

Maryanne Cabrera is a classically trained pastry chef, baker, cake maker, and cocktail shaker.
Read more about me

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