Apple Cider Hot Toddy | Ambitious Kitchen

Merry Christmas Eve to all celebrants! I hope you feel relaxed, prepared and excited to spend time with the people you love. Today I’m sharing the perfect “hug in a glass” cocktail recipe to help you do all of the above.

This 5-ingredient apple cider hot toddy is my extra flavorful version of a traditional hot toddy guaranteed to warm you up on the coldest day. Not only is it SO incredibly easy to make, but it’s also full of convenient spices, easy to double for a crowd, and truly the perfect cocktail to celebrate the holiday season.

I’ve included tips for keeping this hot toddy warm so guests can enjoy it all night long (the best nightcap ever), plus simple ways to personalize it and even make it less loud if you prefer. Surprise guests or hosts on the holidays with this amazing drink!

What’s hot toddy?

A traditional hot toddy recipe is made with hot water, whiskey or bourbon, honey and lemon. It’s almost like drunken tea, incredibly easy to make and is a classic cozy winter cocktail.

Ingredients in this Apple Cider Hot Toddy

We spice up traditional hot toddy with extra flavor and spices to make it much tastier. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apple Cider: that’s right, we add apple cider to this hot toddy for sweetness and apple flavor! It combines perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Bourbon: I like the depth of flavor that bourbon adds to this cocktail, but you can use whiskey if you like.
• Orange slices: a hint of citrus adds a lovely sparkle to your drink. We add orange instead of lemon for a fun twist on hot cakes!
• Spices: with which you will brew the cocktail cinnamon sticks and star anise pods for this supreme comfort.
• For garnish: I like to top off each cup with fresh apple rings and a cinnamon stick.

Customize your hot toddy

The best way to personalize this apple cider hot toddy is to choose your favorite dark liquor to add to it! Whiskey, bourbon, brandy and even dark rum will work here, it all depends on your taste preferences.

Can I make it less strong?

Of course! Feel free to reduce the amount of bourbon to 1 cup if you prefer a less strong drink.

Delicious apple cider hot toddy in 2 steps

1. Combine the ingredients. Add all yours (except toppings) to a a large pot and simmer over medium heat for about 15 seconds.
2. Ladle and side dish. Serve the hot toddy in cups or glasses, garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple circle and enjoy!

Easy portion control

This complete recipe serves about 8 people, but you can absolutely double it to serve a larger party.

Alternatively, you can cut the recipe in half to serve 2 people. Perfect for date night!

Keep this hot toddy warm at parties

Serving a party? Keep hot apple cider warm by placing it in slow cooker on “warm”. If it’s going to sit for more than two hours, I recommend removing all the spices so they don’t make the drink bitter.

Storage Tips

If making the recipe a day ahead (or if you have leftovers), remove the oranges and whole spices before storing them, as they can make the drink a little bitter.

More holiday cocktails

Get all my healthy smoothie recipes here!

I hope you enjoy this wonderful Apple Cider Hot Toddy recipe! If you do, don’t forget to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photo by: Eat Love eats