Spiced Apple Hot Toddy

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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.

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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.

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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."

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Recipe