Name: Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup apple cider; 2 tablespoons honey (more or less to taste); ½ lemon, sliced; 1 cinnamon stick; 8 whole cloves; 2 star anise; 3 ounces apple pie moonshine (or substitute your favorite whiskey, bourbon, or scotch); Apple slices for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 81 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting drink that wraps you in fall vibes with every sip, the Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe is absolutely what you need. I love this recipe because it blends the sweetness of apple cider with warm spices and a boozy kick that makes chilly evenings feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or entertaining friends on a crisp autumn night, this hot toddy hits all the right notes.

When I first tried this Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe, it quickly became my go-to cozy cocktail for late nights by the fire. You’ll find that the combination of honey, cinnamon, and cloves paired with tangy lemon gives it such a comforting, nostalgic flavor that reminds me of grandma’s apple pie—only in a glass! Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means you can whip it up anytime you want a little sip of seasonal magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it easy to enjoy anytime.
Comforting Flavor: Apple pie spices blend beautifully with whiskey for a cozy, nostalgic treat.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for when you want something warm fast.
Perfect for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a cocktail pro or just dabbling, it’s foolproof and forgiving.

Two clear glass mugs filled with dark brown mulled drink are placed on a white folded cloth on a white marbled surface. Each mug has a slice of pale yellow apple floating near the top with a curved orange peel resting on the rim. There is a cinnamon stick inside each mug, partially submerged. Around the mugs lie thin white string lights glowing softly and some thin apple slices are placed nearby. In the background, part of a transparent bottle and a second cinnamon stick cross can also be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a drink that’s both familiar and exciting—like apple pie in a cup! Use fresh lemon for a bright zing and quality whiskey or bourbon to add richness that complements the sweetness.

Apple cider: Fresh, unfiltered cider works best for authentic apple flavor.
Honey: Adjust sweetness to your taste; raw honey adds depth.
Lemon: Sliced for infusion, a little citrus balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon stick: Adds warm, spicy aroma and taste—don’t skip it!
Whole cloves: Give a subtle hint of earthiness; use whole to easily remove later.
Star anise: A unique licorice-like flavor that elevates the spice profile.
Apple pie moonshine (or your choice of whiskey, bourbon, or scotch): Choose a spirit you enjoy since it brings the boozy warmth.
Apple slices for garnish: Adds charm and a fresh pop of apple with each sip.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes, and you should too! This Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe is super flexible—you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing the magic.

Non-alcoholic: Swap the moonshine for extra apple cider or a splash of apple juice for a kid-friendly warm drink.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra spicy kick that I sometimes enjoy on colder nights.
Different spirits: Tried using spiced rum once for a completely different but delicious twist.
Sweetness level: Feel free to decrease honey or substitute with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness I often alternate between.

How to Make Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up Your Spiced Apple Cider

Start by pouring your apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the honey, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, star anise, and whole cloves. Bring it to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil though!—and let it cook softly for about 5 minutes so all those lovely spices can infuse the cider deeply. This step is where all the magic happens, and it’s worth taking your time here so the flavors blend nicely without burning the honey.

Step 2: Add the Spirit and Serve

Once your spiced cider is perfectly infused, take the pan off the heat and stir in the apple pie moonshine (or your chosen whiskey, bourbon, or scotch). This keeps the alcohol potent but smooth, without burning off the flavor. Pour the hot toddy into your favorite mugs, then garnish with fresh apple slices for a pretty touch. I find that warm mugs really help keep this drink nice and cozy while you enjoy it.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe

Simmer, Don’t Boil: I learned boiling the cider dulls the spices and can make honey taste bitter, so gentle heat is key.
Taste as You Go: Adjust honey and lemon slice amounts to fit your preferred sweetness and tang balance.
Use Whole Spices: Whole cloves and star anise are easier to remove later, preventing an overpowering punch.
Warm the Glasses: Pour hot water in mugs before serving to keep your toddy warmer longer—this small step makes a big difference!

How to Serve Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a warm, amber-colored drink. Each mug has a cinnamon stick, an orange peel strip curved on the rim, and a slice of apple inside, floating near the surface. The mugs are placed on a folded white cloth on a white marbled surface. Behind the mugs, there is a silver metal cup also filled with the drink, garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange peel. To the left, there is a small glass with a dark liquid and a clear bottle with a cork top and small white fairy lights inside. On the right side, there are two thin apple slices laid flat on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go with thin apple slices for a fresh, crisp contrast, but sometimes I like adding a cinnamon stick right in the mug—it doubles as a stirrer and adds extra aroma as you sip. A lemon wheel perched on the rim offers a pretty finish and a little citrus zing whenever I want more brightness.

Side Dishes

This Apple Pie Hot Toddy pairs beautifully with warm spiced nuts or a soft cheese plate—I like Brie with some honey drizzle to complement the drink’s cinnamon and clove notes. For a fuller treat, buttery shortbread cookies or an almond biscotti really amplify the cozy vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting a fall gathering, I sometimes serve this toddy in clear glass mugs on a wooden tray with mini pumpkins and autumn leaves around for a festive look. Another fun twist is rim-coating the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and texture that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover spiced cider base (before adding alcohol), you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to three days. I find it tastes even better the next day once the spices have had extra time to mingle.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the full toddy with alcohol since the texture and flavor can change unpleasantly. Instead, freeze the non-alcoholic spiced cider base in ice cube trays and add them to hot water on a whim for quick batch drinks.

Reheating

When reheating leftover spiced cider base, do it gently in a saucepan over low heat—avoid microwaving to preserve the clear flavor and prevent burning the honey. Add the spirit fresh before serving to keep the alcohol taste bright and inviting.

FAQs

Can I use regular whiskey instead of apple pie moonshine?

Absolutely! The recipe is very flexible. Apple pie moonshine adds more overt apple sweetness and spice, but any whiskey, bourbon, or even scotch you like will work well. Choose one with flavors you enjoy to complement the apple cider and spices.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe?

Yes, simply omit the alcohol and increase the apple cider or add some apple juice to keep the volume. You’ll still get all those cozy spiced flavors for a comforting warm drink perfect for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
How sweet should the Apple Pie Hot Toddy be?

Sweetness is totally up to your preference! I usually start with two tablespoons of honey and adjust from there, especially if your cider is already sweet or you like it more tart. Taste as you go for best results.
Can I prepare this drink in advance?

You can make the spiced cider base ahead and refrigerate it, but it’s best to add the whiskey and garnish just before serving so your Apple Pie Hot Toddy stays fresh and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Hot Toddy Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together the nostalgic flavors of autumn in a way that’s relaxed and fuss-free. Whether you’re cozying up solo with a good book or sharing laughs with friends around a fire, this drink feels like a celebration of fall in every warm, spiced sip. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that’s as comforting to make as it is to drink.