Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe

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By: Becky HardinPosted: 11/12/21Updated: 10/13/23

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Sip on all of the best cozy fall flavors when you enjoy an Apple Cider Hot Toddy! This warm whiskey co*cktail 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!

Table of Contents

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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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.

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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 co*cktail 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.

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 co*cktail!

Recipe

4.72 from 28 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

Serves1 person

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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
Add the whiskey to the apple cider and serve in your favorite mug.
2 oz whiskey
See Also
These Irish-Inspired Recipes Are Perfect to Make on St. Patrick's Day

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

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 co*cktail 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!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 334kcal (17%) Carbohydrates: 50g (17%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Sodium: 11mg Potassium: 317mg (9%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 41g (46%) Vitamin A: 22IU Vitamin C: 17mg (21%) Calcium: 69mg (7%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

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More Fall co*cktail Recipes We Love

Apple Pie Drink
Apple Cider Mimosas
Pumpkin Whiskey Smash co*cktail
Caramel Apple Sangria
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Spiked Chai Tea

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.