Bourbon Apple Hot Toddy
When autumn arrives and temperatures drop, nothing satisfies quite like wrapping your hands around a mug of this aromatic Bourbon Apple Hot Toddy. The combination of spiced apple cider, smooth bourbon, and a touch of honey creates a perfectly balanced drink that's ideal for cool evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply unwinding after a long day.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 1 drink
Calories 220 kcal
- 8 oz apple cider preferably unfiltered for a richer flavor
- 2 oz bourbon Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace work beautifully
- 1 tbsp honey local wildflower honey adds unique floral notes
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise pod
- 1 thin apple slice for garnish
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
Gather your cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. For enhanced flavor extraction, lightly crush the cinnamon stick by pressing it with the flat side of a knife – this releases more of its essential oils.
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and add your spices. Heat over medium-low heat until it begins to steam, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid boiling, as this can make the cider taste bitter.
While the cider warms, prepare your serving mug by rinsing it with hot water. This pre-warming step prevents temperature shock when you add the hot liquid, helping your toddy stay warmer longer.
Remove the cider from heat and stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice until completely dissolved. For a smoother incorporation, warm your honey slightly if it's crystallized.
Add the bourbon to your warmed mug, then pour in the hot spiced cider mixture. Adding the bourbon after heating preserves its complex flavor notes and alcohol content.
Garnish with a fresh apple slice and lemon twist. For an extra special touch, quickly run the flame of a match or lighter around the edge of the lemon twist to release its essential oils before adding it to the drink. Serve immediately while hot, preferably with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
For a lower sugar version, reduce honey to 1-2 teaspoons and use half apple cider, half hot water.
For an alcohol-free option, replace bourbon with 2 oz of strong brewed black tea and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
For a lower calorie choice, use a sugar-free apple cider and reduce honey to 1 teaspoon.
Add a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger when heating the cider for an immune-supporting boost.
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.3gSugar: 23g
Keyword Hot Toddy, Bourbon, Apple Cider, Winter Cocktail, Fall Drink