Easy Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Whiskey

Here's how to make the best hot toddy for fall with spiced apple cider and whiskey in just five minutes with a few ingredients!

My easy apple cider toddy for colds is a warm and welcome comfort drink full of benefits for a sore throat. Let's get into the deliciousness!

And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my Hibiscus Hot Toddy and Soothing Mint Hot Toddy.

easy spiced apple cider hot toddies with whiskey in clear glass mugs.

What does it taste like?

In short, this hot cider cocktail is warm and cozy with a lil kick. You'll taste crisp apple flavor notes sweetened with honey and warming spices plus a dash of tart citrus and the familiar vanilla and oak-y taste of whiskey.

ingredients to make apple cider whiskey hot toddy on counter top: apple cider, lemon, cinnamon sticks, whiskey.

What You'll Need for this Recipe

The classic hot toddy recipe calls for water, whiskey, honey, lemon, and cinnamon. Here's the ingredient list for my hot toddy drink with apple cider:

Whiskey of any kind will work, though I love a bourbon apple cider hot toddy, personally. The best whiskey for a hot toddy is your favorite whiskey but if you need recommendations, try Uncle Nearest 1856, Still ATX Straight Bourbon, or Bulleit!

Apple Cider replaces water here for more flavor and fun. Use fresh or bottled apple cider as long it's not sparkling cider. And apple juice is a suitable substitute in a pinch.

Lemon juice from fresh squeezed lemons is best but you can also used bottled lemon juice, if you don't have access to fresh. Fresh orange juice can also work.

Cinnamon adds the spice and I recommend using whole cinnamon sticks here rather than ground cinnamon for easy mixing as well as aesthetic.

Honey is an optional sweetener in case your apple cider is not sweet enough on its own. If you want a vegan apple cider hot toddy with no honey, try maple syrup instead.

Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!

More Favorite Cocktails for Fall

Tips & Tools

Grab a jigger or a shot glass to measure the whiskey. You'll also need a small saucepan and kitchen spoon to mix and heat the ingredients. Using fresh lemon? Grab a cutting board and knife, too!

Can I make this drink in the microwave? Yes. This is already a quick recipe for apple cider hot toddy but you can make it quicker by adding the cider and cinnamon sticks to a heat-safe container and microwaving for about two minutes. Transfer to a mug and stir in the remaining ingredients et voila!

lemon slices floating in two clear mugs of cider hot toddies on wooden cutting board.

two apple warm apple cider cocktails garnished with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hot toddies really work?

Hot toddies don't cure any illness but they are definitely comforting and soothing. The lemon and honey are known to ease cold symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold. Cinnamon helps fight infection and relieves coughing. And the water promotes hydration.

What other kind of liquor can I use in a hot toddy?

Hot toddies are traditionally made with whiskey but you can use brandy, spiced rum, or even cognac, instead. Brown liquor is generally of choice for a toddy recipe and pairs best with apple cider so it's a perfect fit.

How to Make an Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Whiskey

Making a hot toddy is an easy and versatile process that takes just a few minutes. Make your hot toddies on a stove top or in a microwave--both options are quick!

apple cider and cinnamon sticks warming in a small saucepan on stove top.

Heat the apple cider and cinnamon sticks until fragrant. Do not boil.

stirring apple cider hot toddy in clear mug with bar sppon.

Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and whiskey.

the best apple cider hot toddy next to fresh apples, lemon, and cinnamon sticks.

Add another lemon slice or whatever you like to garnish and enjoy carefully.

What other spices can I add to this recipe?

Fall is comfort food and drink season, as well as cold and flu season. So the more spice, the merrier, right? You can add different whole or ground spices to a hot toddy to suit your taste. Try your spiced apple cider toddies with cloves, grated nutmeg, fresh ginger, or dried star anise.