Print

Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

cozy caramel apple cider hot toddy - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, comforting hot toddy blending rich caramel, spicy cinnamon, and crisp apple cider flavors, perfect for fall and winter evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (475 ml) fresh or store-bought apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (one for simmering, one for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) whiskey or bourbon (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3–4 whole cloves
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • Thinly sliced apple slices for garnish
  • Optional: a dash of vanilla extract or a few drops of caramel syrup for extra sweetness

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups apple cider, ½ cup water, 1 cinnamon stick, sliced ginger, and whole cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes, steaming hot but not boiling.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar until fully dissolved, lowering heat if needed.
  3. Simmer gently on low for 10 minutes to infuse the spices.
  4. Strain out the cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and cloves using a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser.
  5. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 ounces whiskey or bourbon. Mix gently.
  6. Pour into heatproof mugs and garnish each with a fresh cinnamon stick and thin apple slices.

Notes

Use fresh spices for best flavor. Keep heat gentle to avoid boiling and bitterness. Dark brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes. For non-alcoholic version, omit whiskey and add extra apple cider or sparkling water. Can add vanilla extract or caramel syrup for extra sweetness. Store cider base without whiskey and lemon in fridge up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot toddy, caramel apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, fall drink, winter beverage, cozy drink, warm cocktail

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-caramel-apple-cider-hot-toddy-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-cinnamon/