Hot Apple Cider Toddy Cocktail Recipe

Nothing beats a mug of hot apple cider with a splash of whiskey on a chilly night. The way the spiced cider, smooth liquor, and a bit of citrus come together—yeah, it just hits differently during the holidays.

You can whip up this Hot Apple Cider Toddy in minutes, and honestly, you probably have everything you need already.

I love serving it when friends drop by. It feels festive, but not fussy at all.

The kitchen fills up with cinnamon and apple scents while it simmers. Steam curling from the mug makes everything feel a bit cozier.

It works for a quiet night in or when you’ve got a crowd.

This recipe is super flexible. Make it sweeter, add extra spice, or swap out the whiskey for rum or brandy—whatever you’re in the mood for.

Once you try it, you might end up making it on repeat all season.

Hot Apple Cider Toddy Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this when I want something warm and simple, but still packed with fall flavor. The combo of hot apple cider, spices, and a splash of liquor is just comforting.

And it’s easy, which is always a win.

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Heatproof mug or glass
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Citrus juicer (optional)

I use a small saucepan to warm the cider gently—boiling it just ruins the flavor.

A heatproof mug keeps everything toasty longer.

If I’m using fresh lemon, a citrus juicer is handy, and a strainer is nice if you don’t want spice bits floating around.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1–2 oz whiskey, bourbon, rum, brandy, gin, or vodka (pick your favorite)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1–2 tsp lemon juice (fresh is always better)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2–3 whole cloves
• 1 slice fresh lemon for garnish
• Optional: star anise, fresh ginger slices, extra spices if you want more kick

I usually reach for bourbon—richer flavor, in my opinion. Brandy is softer and fruitier, if that’s your thing.

Honey mixes in easily, but brown sugar gives a deeper sweetness.

Whole spices like cinnamon and cloves just make it smell and taste like the holidays.

Instructions

• Pour apple cider into a saucepan.
• Toss in the cinnamon stick, cloves, and any extras you want.
• Warm it over medium-low until it’s steaming, but don’t let it boil.
• Take it off the heat and stir in honey or brown sugar until it melts.
• Add the lemon juice and whatever liquor you picked.
• Give it a gentle stir.
• Strain into a heatproof mug if you want it smooth.
• Garnish with a lemon slice and serve it up hot.

I always try to heat the cider slowly—keeps the flavors bright.

Adding the liquor at the end helps keep the aroma and taste from fading.

Notes

Sometimes I swap in orange juice for the lemon if I want a softer citrus vibe. Fresh lemon really brightens things up, though.

If I’m feeling it, I’ll toss in some thin-sliced ginger—it infuses fast. Star anise gives a little licorice twist that’s surprisingly good with the cinnamon.

For a bolder spice flavor, let the cider simmer with the spices for 5–10 minutes before adding the alcohol. If you want it milder, just warm the cider and add the spices straight to your mug.

Tasting Notes

Taking that first sip of this hot apple cider toddy, I immediately notice a gentle warmth. The steam brings up the scent of cinnamon and cloves, making it feel like a proper cozy cocktail for chilly days.

The spiced apple cider gives off a sweet-tart base that’s hard not to love. There’s a real apple flavor there, and it just works with the mellow heat from the whiskey.

Honestly, the balance is pretty smooth—not too sugary, not too boozy. I appreciate how the lemon brings a little brightness, keeping things lighter than you might expect from a warm drink.

Honey slides in quietly, adding just enough sweetness without taking over the whole show. As the drink cools down a bit, the spices start to pop more.

Cinnamon definitely leads, but there’s a little clove and nutmeg dancing in the background. All these flavors together just make this apple cider cocktail feel familiar and kind of nostalgic.

If I pull the mug close, the aroma is almost as good as the taste itself. Warm apple, spice, and a whisper of whiskey—honestly, it’s the kind of apple cider hot toddy I want to linger over.