
On the ninth day of Christmas, mama needed a hot toddy, or more specifically a Hot Apple Toddy with Bourbon. For those of you not familiar with this libation, it’s a warm cocktail of whiskey, hot water, lemon and honey, usually reserved for medicinal purposes. Like the Thai chicken soup I posted for the third day of Christmas, it’s my go-to when I’m suffering from a cold, but on a chilly, rainy night like tonight, it’s perfect, too. Hot apple toddy to the rescue for a cold, the sniffles, or just because!
This Hot Apple Toddy with Bourbon version is a cross between mulled cider and a hot toddy. To start, heat apple cider in a saucepan, and add a cinnamon stick or some ground cinnamon and allspice. If you have a cold or a sore throat, add lemon and honey; if not, add an orange slice and a squeeze of its juice. Off the heat, add a healthy dollop of whiskey, rum or brandy and garnish with a slice of fruit.
It’s spicy and comforting and the perfect drink to curl up by a fire with (if your fireplace actually is operable–none of mine are, to my chagrin).

Hot Apple Toddy with Bourbon
This Hot Apple Toddy with Bourbon is a warm and sweet tipple for a chilly evening.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 -2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 satsuma juiced
- 1 cinnamon stick or dash ground cinnamon
- 1 orange slice
- 2 apple slices
- 1 slice of a lemon
- 3 ounces bourbon or whiskey or brandy
Instructions
Instructions
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Heat cider and water in a saucepan over low heat.
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Add cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon.
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Add lemon and orange slices and honey.
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Stir until the honey dissolves.
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Divide into two mugs and add a shot of whiskey to each. Stir and top with an apple slice.
Stay warm this holiday season, my friends. Looking for more holiday cocktails?