Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming hot toddy blending spiced apple cider with cinnamon and honey for a comforting, aromatic evening sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together dark rum, hot apple cider, honey 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 2 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Warm 4 oz apple cider gently in a small pot or microwave until hot but not boiling.
  2. Step 2: In a pre-warmed heatproof glass mug, combine 2 oz dark rum, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice.
  3. Step 3: Pour the hot apple cider over the rum mixture and stir with a bar spoon until honey dissolves completely.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with a cinnamon stick placed vertically inside the glass and a lemon wheel floated on the surface.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (5 min prep + 2 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy?

Refrigerate any leftover cinnamon-spiced apple cider hot 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Hot 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Hot 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy?

Cocktails 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.