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It’s fireside cocktail season! When I think of fall, I think of cuddling up in my The Comfy (not a joke– it was a gift from Ashley Brooke last year) and drinking hot toddies. This year I wanted to add a little extra something to our hot toddies, though, so I tried Danielle Walker’s spiced apple hot toddy recipe from Against All Grain: Celebrations. As is the case with pretty much every Danielle Walker cocktail, I friggin’ loved it. It combines all the things we love about fall in a single glass. We like a little more spice and more booze, though, so we adapted her recipe a bit to create our own… and y’all, it’s delicious. I mean, like really delicious. Keep reading for the recipe and printable/saveable recipe card!
Also, I know I’m by no means unique, but red wine just hits differently in the fall. I think it legitimately tastes better when it’s cold outside. Check out all my favorite red wines for fall, along with a fun DIY wine gift bag tutorial, here!
Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy Ingredients
These spiced apple cider hot toddies combine everything I love about fall in one glass. Here’s everything you need to serve four–
- 2 1/4 cups apple cider
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 1/4 cups bourbon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Apple slices, for garnish
- Star anise, for garnish
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddies
Y’all– I’ve never been so confident that you’ll love a recipe before. It’s so darn simple. It’s also somehow paleo and the perfect beverage for cuddling up under a blanket or by a fire.
To make a batch of four, combine the apple cider, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and cloves in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for an extra fifteen minutes.
Next, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids from your drink. Pour in the bourbon and fresh lemon juice and stir. Just a note-– you can also make this batch cocktail non-alcoholic by substituting the bourbon with black tea. I’ve tried it a few times, and it’s delicious!
Finally, divide among four mugs (or two if you prefer heavier pours) and serve warm! For garnish, I like to decorate each mug with its own cinnamon stick, green apple slice, lemon slice, and star anise– just because I’m extra and like pretty things.
Another reason to try this drink? The spiced apple cider can be steeped and strained up to three days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container or jug and reheat it before mixing in the bourbon and lemon juice! Not only is this a great fall party prepping hack, but it also makes this apple cider hot toddy the perfect campfire cocktail. We like to fill our Yeti Rambler with spiced apple cider and then add in the booze and lemon when we’re around the fire. This method’s equally handy for tailgating, too!
Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy
This spiced apple cider hot toddy recipe combines all the best things about fall in one glass! Made with bourbon, spiced apple cider, and a handful of spices, it's the perfect drink for warming up on a cold fall night.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups apple cider
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 1/4 cups bourbon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Apple slices, for garnish
- Star anise, for garnish
Instructions
Combine the apple cider, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and cloves in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for an extra fifteen minutes.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids from your drink. Pour in the bourbon and fresh lemon juice and stir.
Divide among four mugs (or two if you prefer heavier pours) and serve warm! Garnish with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, lemon slices, star anise, or any combination of the four!
Notes
Recipe adapted from Against All Grain: Celebrations by Danielle Walker
Make it non-alcoholic by substituting the bourbon with black tea!
The spiced apple cider can be steeped and strained up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container and reheat before mixing in the bourbon and lemon juice.
Nutrition Information
Amount Per ServingCalories 0Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 0mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g
Aren’t these spiced apple hot toddies so enticing? I can’t wait to make a few more rounds over Thanksgiving break! If you’re looking for more warm seasonal cocktail recipes, I highly recommend trying this gluten-free mulled wine, as well!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions about this fall cocktail recipe or any of my others. I love hearing from y’all, and I’m happy to help! Anyways, thanks so much for reading, y’all– and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Photography by Catherine Rhodes
