We're in the thick of comfort food (and drink) season, which is also cold and flu season. The Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy I'm introducing you to today won't cure the cold but it's a warm and welcome comfort drink full of benefits for a sore throat. This is assuming the person sipping is of legal drinking age, of course. Let's get into how I changed up a simple hot toddy recipe for the better and right on time for fall weather!
What is the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe?
- Water
- Whiskey
- Honey
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
So, do hot toddies really work? On the comfort and soothing front, yes, they actually do. Again hot toddies don't cure anything but lemon and honey are known to be effective in easing cold symptoms and shortening the duration of a cold altogether. Cinnamon helps fight infection and relieves coughing. We often need fluids when we're feeling poorly so the water helps. And whiskey helps with...relaxation? A warm whiskey cocktail is good for that.
For this spiced apple cider hot toddy with whiskey, we're replacing the water with apple cider for a seasonal twist. And if you're curious as to whether apple cider is good with whiskey, peep my bourbon caramel apple cider recipe. It'll answer all your questions. Every fall, spiked apple cider is a must drink for me and even better that this one is also a tried and true sore throat remedy.
Making a hot toddy is an easy process that takes just a few minutes. And the versatility is there, too. Make hot toddies on a stove top or in a microwave. Both options are quick. However you heat the cider, just stir in the remaining ingredients and voila--you're done! And you can add more spices to it to truly suit your taste. Cinnamon is a given but clove, nutmeg, ginger, and star anise are all common additions. Because this is a spiced apple cider hot toddy, the spice is pretty well covered but you can always dial it up a few notches. When you need a throat-soothing concoction, sometimes the more spice, the merrier, right?
What Kind of Liquor to use in Hot Toddies
Hot toddies are traditionally made with whiskey but many recipes call for brandy instead. You can also use spiced rum or even cognac in a hot toddy, if that's more your speed. Brown liquor is generally of choice for a toddy recipe but I've also seen them made with vodka (not for me). Brown liquor also pairs better with apple cider so it's a perfect fit.
Cheers to what's left of fall and sipping spiced apple cider hot toddies with whiskey through the remainder of the season. I hope you enjoy this hot apple cider cocktail. Sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
P.S. more healing drink recipes:
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Whiskey
Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddies with Whiskey
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 shots whiskey
- lemon slices to garnish
Instructions
- Heat apple cider and cinnamon sticks until simmering either on stove top (about 4 minutes) or in the microwave (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice, honey, and whiskey until dissolved.
- Divide liquid between two heat-safe mugs and garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy carefully.
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