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Cocktail History
The Spiced Apple Hot Toddy is an autumn cocktail that was created by Sandy Clifton, a recipe developer and blogger at Simply Happy Foodie. The recipe serves as a seasonal upgrade of the classic Hot Toddy, which typically combines hot water, whiskey, and a sweetener such as honey. This version replaces the water with apple cider for a fruitier base and enhances the fall vibes with an assortment of baking spices, making for a comforting, spiced drink that’s perfect for chilly weather or as a soothing remedy during cold season.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Apple Cider: This is a beverage made with freshly pressed apple juice and baking spices. I used The Glass Orchard Apple Cider.
Cognac: This is a type of brandy made in Cognac, France with distilled white wine. I used Courvoisier VSOP Cognac.
Honey: This is a natural, sweet liquid that’s produced from the nectar of flowers by bees and is used as a sweetener. I used Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Raw Unfiltered Honey.
Cinnamon Stick: This is a rolled and dried bark from the cinnamon tree. I used Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks.
Star Anise: This is a star-shaped spice derived from the fruit of an evergreen tree. I used Frontier Co-op Star Anise.
Whole Cloves: This is a small, dried flower bud from the clove tree that has an intense, aromatic, and slightly sweet-spicy flavor. I used Simply Organic Whole Cloves.
Ginger: The is a root of the ginger tree that has an aromatic, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Aromatic Bitters: This is a food product made with botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Angostura Aromatic Bitters.
Orange: This is a citrus with orange skin and juicy, sweet flesh.
Black Pepper: This is a spice made with dried and ground peppercorns. I used Simply Organic Whole Black Peppercorns.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Saucepan: This is a deep cooking pot with a long handle and lid that’s used for simmering, boiling, and cooking on the stovetop. I used the All-Clad 3-Ply Stainless Steel 3 Quart Sauce Pan.
Spatula: This is a flat, broad kitchen tool that’s used for flipping, scraping, and stirring. I used the OXO Silicone Spatula.
Ladle: This is a large, deep-bowled spoon with a long handle that’s used for serving. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Ladle.
Paring Knife: This is a small, sharp kitchen knife with a narrow blade that’s used for peeling, trimming, and garnishing. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Irish Coffee Mug: This is a heat-resistant glass mug with a sturdy handle and footed base that’s used to serve warm drinks. I used the Libbey Cavana Tall Mug.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Amber orange color
• Aroma: Comforting baked apple and cinnamon
• Taste: Cozy blend of spiced apple cider, honey’s natural sweetness, and the warmth of brandy
• Finish: Smooth, lingering baking spices and a hint of tangy citrus
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I’ve tried a handful of Hot Toddy variations now, but none of them have knocked my socks off quite like the Spiced Apple Hot Toddy did. Given it’s just a load of fresh apple cider, baking spices, honey, and brandy (a natural pairing for the other ingredients, in my opinion), it’s hard not to love this warm and cozy drink. I will definitely be whipping up a batch of these as the temperatures start to dip every fall.”
Recipe
Spiced Apple Hot Toddy
The Spiced Apple Hot Toddy is an autumn cocktail that was created by Sandy Clifton, a recipe developer and blogger at Simply Happy Foodie. The recipe takes the classic Toddy template that's traditionally made with hot water, a spirit, and a sweetener, and it gives it some fall flair by replacing the water with apple cider and adding a bunch of baking spices.
Ingredients
Method
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Add apple cider, brandy, honey, three cinnamon sticks, two star anise, cloves, ginger, bitters, orange, and black peppercorns to a saucepan.
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Heat over medium high heat while stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
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Strain into six mugs.
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Garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise.
Notes
How do I make this cocktail recipe non-alcoholic?
Use Escape Mocktails Non-Alcoholic Cognac Alternative in place of the brandy and All The Bitter Alcohol-Free Aromatic Bitters in place of the aromatic bitters to try a mocktail version of this drink.
