Sip on all of the best cozy fall flavors when you enjoy an Apple Cider Hot Toddy! This warm whiskey cocktail is made flavorful with honey, lemon juice, and of course apple cider. It’s an adults-only beverage that will make Thanksgiving even more delicious!

clear glass mug with apple cider hot toddy

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What’s in this Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe

This easy apple hot toddy recipe features just six ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes (or less). It’s just like a classic hot toddy, but with autumnal apple cider!

  • Apple Cider: Store-bought apple cider works just fine! If you do want to make your own, try my easy Crockpot apple cider recipe.
  • Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the very best flavor. Try to avoid using bottled juice if possible.
  • Spices: You’ll need one cinnamon stick and one star anise for this cocktail recipe. They both add such a wonderful aromatic quality!
  • Whiskey: This recipe contains a double shot of whiskey. You can half it if you prefer a less strong drink.

PRO TIP: Take the cocktail off of the heat when you add in the whiskey. If the drink continues to heat, the alcohol will evaporate.

What’s the best whiskey to use in a hot toddy?

I love to make this drink with a whiskey bourbon like Jack Daniels. I find the flavor works so well with the apple cider and spices. You could make this with a Scotch or Irish whiskey if you prefer, or try Fireball for an extra kick of cinnamon flavor.

step by step photos for how to make apple cider hot toddy
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Can I make it ahead of time?

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.

How do you garnish it?

You can serve this cocktail without any garnishes, but I like to add a cinnamon stick and slice of apple and lemon to each glass to make it feel extra special and to enhance the flavors.

Can you make this drink without honey?

Honey helps to balance out the flavor of the whiskey and lemon. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a great substitution. You can also stir in some brown sugar instead until it dissolves.

up close apple cider hot toddy with lemon and cinnamon

How to Store/Reheat

Once cooled, transfer your apple cider hot toddy to an airtight container. Keep it stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the Crockpot or right back on the stove until warmed through. Don’t let it come to a boil when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these fall hot toddys after Thanksgiving dinner as a dessert cocktail!

mug with apple cider hot toddy
Recipe Card

Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe

4.73 from 29 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Author: Becky Hardin
featured apple cider hot toddy
Warm up and get cozy with this apple cider hot toddy. This warm whiskey drink is flavored with honey, lemon and cinnamon and topped off with apple cider, for a delicious adults only drink.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • ¼ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoon honey, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise
    how to make apple cider hot toddy
  • Add the whiskey to the apple cider and serve in your favorite mug.
    2 oz whiskey
    how to make apple cider hot toddy

Becky’s Tips

  • This drink can be kept warm on the stovetop, alternatively you can transfer it to your slow cooker to keep it warm if you are doubling the recipe.
  • Take the cocktail off of the heat when you add in the whiskey. If the drink continues to heat, the alcohol will evaporate.
  • This recipe contains a double shot of whiskey. You can half it if you prefer a less strong drink.
  • Drink responsibly!
Calories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 317mgFiber: 3gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.73 from 29 votes (28 ratings without comment)
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3 Comments
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James G.
James G.
November 7, 2023 12:29 pm

Delish!!!5 stars

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Erika
Erika
November 4, 2023 4:43 pm

1/4 what of lemon? Cup? Teaspoon?

Samantha Marceau
November 6, 2023 8:53 am
Reply to  Erika

1/4 of a whole lemon!