Apple Cider Hot Toddy
There's nothing quite like an apple cider hot toddy as the weather turns cool. Made with fresh apple cider, rum, and honey, this is a simple drink that feels special without any fuss.
I love how little effort this takes. Warm the apple cider, add rum and honey, and finish with star anise and cinnamon. It's comforting without being too sweet, easily customizable with your favorite spirit, and can be made alcohol-free! A lovely drink for a quiet evening at home and just as easy to make when you have friends over.
Looking for more cozy drinks? Try my pumpkin spice latte and mulled wine recipe.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Big apple flavor. Fresh apple cider gives this spiced apple toddy a rich, fruity base.
Not overly sweet. Honey is used in a small amount, so you can adjust it to your taste.
Choose your spirit. Rum is my go-to, but you can easily make this with whiskey or brandy.
Lovely for fall and winter gatherings. Warm a large batch of cider and add the alcohol to individual glasses.
Recipe Ingredients
Apple Cider: You can use store-bought or homemade. I have a wonderful recipe for easy homemade apple cider you can use.
Rum: That's my choice of alcohol for this recipe. You can use whiskey, brandy, or bourbon, too.
Honey: This is optional, but I like the little bit of sweetness it adds. Add more or less according to taste.
Please see the recipe card below for full information about ingredients and quantities.
Spiced Apple Toddy Recipe Variations
Extra spiced: Add ginger, cloves, and an extra cinnamon stick while warming the cider. Strain before adding rum and honey.
Make it alcohol-free: Simply leave out the rum. Add ginger or lemon if you like.
Add lemon: This toddy doesn't need lemon as the spiced cider already brings plenty of brightness, but a squeeze of fresh lemon is lovely if you like a sharper drink.
How To Make Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Step 1: Warm the apple cider and pour it into a heatproof glass or mug.
Step 2: Add rum, stir in honey, and garnish with apple slices, star anise, and a cinnamon stick.
Step 3: Serve warm.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can use apple juice to make an apple hot toddy. The flavor will be a little lighter, but you'll still have a delicious warm apple drink. Sweeten with honey only if needed.
What is the best alcohol for an apple cider toddy?
Rum is my choice for this recipe, but whiskey, brandy, or bourbon also work well. Use whichever you enjoy and adjust the quantity to your taste.
Can I make alcohol-free apple cider toddy?
Yes, simply leave out the alcohol. For more flavor, add ginger, cloves, and star anise while warming the cider. Strain before serving and stir in honey and a squeeze of lemon to taste.
Can I make apple cider hot toddies for a crowd?
Yes, warm the cider in a saucepan or slow cooker. Keep it warm and let your guests serve themselves and add rum, whiskey, or brandy to their glasses.
More Holiday Drinks Recipes
Recipe
Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Apple cider
- 2 tbsp Rum
- 1.5 tsp Honey
- Star anise, Cinnamon sticks, Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Warm up the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling.
- Pour into a glass, and add rum and honey. Stir well.
- Garnish with cinnamon stick, star anise and apple slices.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
