Winter calls for soothing warm cocktails brimming with flavors of the season. A Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy is just such a sipper. Steaming hot with boozy flavors of apple, cranberry, honey, lemon and more! Perfect for cozy fireside evenings.
When I shared the recipe for Spicy Pot Roast Nachos last week I’d mentioned my kids and I attended a Parade of Lights in the neighboring hamlet of Lyons, Colorado. The town has its own claims to fame but is also the gateway town for those heading up to Rocky Mountain National Park. The road going through the town is lined with businesses that seem to spring up and go out of business without warning though there are those who have stood the test of time and taste.
One of those restaurants is the Lyons Fork. My daughter and I visited for brunch when they first opened but had not been back until recently. Not for any particular reason, more their hours and our hours not matching up. We decided to grab a bite there before the Lights Parade and being on the corner of the main street, we found it a perfect location to pop out the front door and watch the parade.
While there I ordered an Apple Toddy. It was a brisk night with a light but gripping wind. We were seated on what is normally the outdoor patio of the restaurant that is enclosed with a tent in the off season. Our table was next to the zipper opening and the zipper did not fully seal the opening. Having a hot drink in hand was just the ticket to kick off the festivities.
For the past few nights as I head out in the frosty deep of night to take out English Bulldog puppy out, I think about warm drinks. Shivering as she explores the yard, I imagine how much more civilized the December night would feel with a hot toddy.
A Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy sprang to mind and it’s going to be a favorite this winter. Bourbon, apple cider, cranberry cocktail, heated up with some boiling water and sweetened with warm honey. It’s a seasonally flavored sipper you’ll love. Pop in a cinnamon stick and some fruit garnish (that I highly recommend eating when the cocktail is done) and you are set for a cozy evening by the fire.
I shared more details on Hot Toddys in the blog post with a Glasgow Hot Toddy recipe originated by a friend in Glasgow Scotland. These are easy hot cocktails to whip up with little notice. Using some whisky which most have in their liquor cabinet, hot water and honey with a slice of lemon. Great for cold season. This version adds two more ingredients to brighten the flavor and make it more seasonal. They can be poured together quickly with boiling the hot water being all that will take any time.
How to make a Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy:
Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy
Hot Toddy's are a cocktail staple in the winter months and for cold season. This spin on the classic includes delicious flavors of apple and cranberry.
Ingredients
- 1 10-12 ounce Mug or heatproof glass
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 1/2 ounces Bourbon
- 1 1/2 ounces Apple Cider
- 1 ounce Cranberry Cocktail
- Boiling Water
- 1 slice Lemon
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- Suggested garnish: thinly sliced red and green apples, fresh cranberries
Instructions
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Add the honey, bourbon, apple cider and cranberry cocktail to the glass.
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Fill with boiling water leaving some room at the top to prevent overflowing when garnish is added.
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Stir to melt honey. Add the lemon slice and cinnamon stick (and apple slices and cranberries if desired). Serve immediately.
Shannon Gurnee says
Wow – this drink is beautiful! I’ve never had a hot toddy before, but it looks and sounds delicious. I would love to try it.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I love a good hot toddy and sometimes when I feel under the weather, I immediately mix myself one. I like your recipe, cranberry and apple taste good together! I am going to try this tonight. 🙂
Louise Bishop says
Thank you so much for this recipe. These are some seriously great ingredients.
Sara Welch says
That is a very elegant looking drink. It sounds absolutely delicious as well!
Rach Ferrucci says
I love hot toddys! This one sounds yummy and I’m adding it to my list. They’re perfect for cold nights and when you have a cold
Theresa says
I have some apple cider in the fridge that I need to use up. I can’t think of a better way than with this amazing recipe!
travel blogger says
This looks delicious! What a perfect drink for a cold winter night! We will definitely be making some of these!
Maureen says
This cranberry apple hot toddy sounds yummy. What a great beverage to hit the spot on a cold day, I will be trying it!
Carol Cassara says
A hot drink on a cold day or night is perfect! I think this cranberry apple hot toddy is one that I’ll enjoy. I like making my own drinks at home!
Kelly Hutchinson says
My mom always made hot toddy’s during the holidays. She would have loved this recipe!
Toni Dash says
Awe! I love that.
Rosey says
Cranberry is my favorite. It is perfect for drinks this time of year, for sure.
Pam Wattenbarger says
Cranberry and apple are two of my favorite winter flavors. This hot toddy sounds perfect as the cocktail for Christmas parties.
AnnMarie John says
As the days and nights get colder, it’s easier to enjoy hot drinks more! I think this one’s something I’ve never tried before and I’d love to make it.
Kristi says
I bet that drink smells amazing and the taste would of course be delicious too. A great holiday drink.
kim says
You had me at the title. This sounds and looks amazing!!! Perfect for my winter nights ahead.
Diana Lopes says
This drinks looks so delicious!! Thank you for sharing the recipe, I’ll definitely try it!
Bill Sweeney says
I love a good hot toddy, especially if I’ve been out in the cold for a while, or a little under the weather. I’d like to make this! I notice you don’t specify a particular bourbon. I like mine with Crown Royal!
Stacie says
I love this festive holiday version of a hot toddy. I love to warm up with one of these during the cold winter months.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Oh my that sounds tasty! I love apple cider, this recipe sounds like a modified version especially for adults on a cold winter day. I’d try it!