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Sip all of the best cozy fall flavors with this Apple Cider Hot Toddy. This warm whiskey cocktail is made flavorful with honey, lemon juice, and, of course, apple cider. It’s an adult-only beverage that will make any fall gathering even more festive. This affordable recipe comes together in minutes for a delicious after-dinner drink.
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“Delish!!!” -James
A Cozy Fall Cocktail
This easy apple hot toddy recipe features just six ingredients and comes together in about 10 minutes. It’s just like a classic hot toddy, but with autumnal apple cider for a sweeter taste, ideal for a cozy fall or winter night.
I use a handful of ingredients, including lemon, honey, cinnamon, star anise, apple cider, and then I mix in a few shots of whiskey. It goes down smooth, warming me from the inside out with a slightly sweet, slightly tart flavor. This recipe makes one serving, but I usually double it and share with my husband or a friend.
Tips for Beginners
- Remove from the heat. Take the cocktail off the heat when you add in the whiskey. If the drink continues to heat, the alcohol will evaporate.
- The best whiskey to use. I love to make this drink with Jack Daniel’s. I find the flavor works well with the apple cider and spices. You could also make this with a Scotch or Irish whiskey, or try Fireball for an extra kick of cinnamon. This recipe contains a double shot of whiskey. Halve it if you prefer a less strong drink.
- Go for the garnish. I like to add a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple and lemon to each glass to make it feel extra special and enhance the flavors.
- Replace the honey. Honey helps balance out the flavor of the whiskey and lemon. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a great substitute. You can also stir in brown sugar until it dissolves.
- Use store-bought or homemade apple cider. Store-bought apple cider works but if you want to make your own, try my easy crockpot apple cider recipe.
- This drink can be kept warm on the stovetop. Or you can transfer it to your slow cooker to keep it warm if making a double batch.
Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 2 oz. whiskey
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider, lemon, honey, cinnamon, and star anise in a small pot. Bring the mixture up to a simmer over high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to steep for 2 minutes.1 cup apple cider, ¼ lemon, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise
- Add the whiskey to the apple cider and serve in your favorite mug.2 oz. whiskey
Becky’s Tips
- Don’t leave the drink over the heat once the whiskey is added, or the alcohol will evaporate.
- Jack Daniel’s is my go-to whiskey, but you could use Scotch or Irish whiskey. For a less strong drink, use half the whiskey.
- I find the garnishes make the drink feel special, so don’t omit them.
- Maple syrup works well in place of honey, but don’t omit sweetener altogether.
- Make your own apple cider or use store-bought.
- Leave the pot on the stove to keep the drink warm or use the crockpot.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How To Make an Apple Cider Hot Toddy Step by Step
Gather the ingredients: Grab everything so it’s ready to go. You’ll need apple cider, whiskey, honey, star anise, lemon, and garnishes, such as a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Combine the ingredients: Combine 1 cup of apple cider, ¼ of a lemon, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 star anise in a small pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it simmers, remove from the heat and allow it to steep for 2 minutes. Finally, add 2 oz. of whiskey.
Serve: Garnish with a cinnamon stick, an apple slice, and a slice of lemon.
How to Store
Once cooled, transfer your apple cider hot toddy to an airtight container. Keep it stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat
Reheat in the crockpot or right back on the stove until warmed through. Don’t let it come to a boil when reheating, and give it a good stir to remix the ingredients before enjoying again.
Make Ahead
You can keep the hot toddy warm on the stovetop for a couple of hours if you want to enjoy more than one drink; just don’t let it boil. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days and easily reheated.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these fall hot toddies after Thanksgiving dinner as a dessert cocktail along with a slice of homemade carrot cake or apple dumplings. I’ll also make these hot toddies on a cold winter’s day when we need something warm and comforting to thaw us out from the inside out. They’re especially cozy after a long day outside or when we’re gathered around the fire. For an extra-special treat, I’ll whip up a batch of fudgy cosmic brownies or these big and crispy brown sugar chocolate chip cookies to serve alongside them.
More Fall Cocktail Recipes
- Apple Pie Drink has all my favorite apple pie flavors and can be enjoyed hot, chilled, and with or without alcohol.
- I make this Caramel Apple Sangria with apple cider, caramel vodka, white wine, ginger ale, cinnamon, and fresh fruit.
- Apple Cider Mimosas are the perfect twist on a brunch classic featuring champagne and apple cider.
Delish!!!
1/4 what of lemon? Cup? Teaspoon?
1/4 of a whole lemon!