Mandatory Hacks: This Is the One Thing You Need to Make the Most Bitchin’ Hot Toddy Cider For the Holidays

Photo: bhofack2 (Getty Images)

While we love a nice, warming glass of single malt Scotch, bourbon, or rye whiskey on a cold winter day. We never turn down a hot cocktail. Specifically, a hot toddy. The classic hot toddy is made up simply of hot water, whisk(e)y (usually Scotch but your favorite whiskey will do), lemon juice, and honey. Literally that’s all you need to guarantee a warming, boozy winter. The only thing that can make it better is the addition of apple cider (instead of water).

If you’re new to hot toddy-style cocktails, you might not realize that, at one point, brands like Dewar’s advertised their whisky as being “what the doctor ordered” and some doctors even prescribed the combination of whisky, lemon, water, and honey as a cure-all.

Since today we’re going to replace the boring hot water with apple cider, we need to talk about how to make the most memorable hot cider toddy, a warming, sweet, boozy drink guaranteed to propel you through the final week of mad dash holiday shopping and those uncomfortable family gatherings.

The only ingredient more important than apple cider is the alcohol. We don’t suggest using single malt Scotch or even rye whiskey for a hot apple toddy. The best, most complimentary flavor is bourbon. Also, on top of that, if you want to crank up your hot apple toddy to eleven, you’ll use a bold, brash, rich, sweet, bonded bourbon (we suggest Old Grand-Dad, Evan Williams, or Old Forester 1897) and use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.

Photo: pjohnson1 (Getty Images)

Hot Toddy Cider

Ingredients:

½ cup of apple cider

¼ cup of bonded bourbon

2 teaspoons of honey

1 squirt of lemon juice

Cinnamon sticks

Preparation:

Add the apple cider, honey, lemon, and some cinnamon sticks to a sauce pan and bring to boil. Lower the heat and add the bourbon. Pour it into your favorite mug or an Irish whiskey glass and add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.

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