Apple Spice Bourbon Toddy
A warm and comforting toddy blending bourbon with spiced apple cider and a touch of clove-scented honey syrup. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, hot apple cider, lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 4 oz hot apple cider
- 1/2 oz clove-infused honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon twist
- 2 whole cloves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm 4 oz of apple cider gently on the stove or microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Step 2: In a heatproof mug, pour 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz clove-infused honey syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Step 3: Add the hot apple cider directly to the mug and stir gently with a spoon to combine.
- Step 4: Garnish by studding a lemon twist with 2 whole cloves, then drape it on the rim alongside a cinnamon stick placed inside the mug for stirring and aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Apple Spice Bourbon Toddy take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Apple Spice Bourbon Toddy?
Refrigerate any leftover apple spice bourbon toddy in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Apple Spice Bourbon Toddy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Apple Spice Bourbon Toddy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Apple Spice Bourbon Toddy?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
