Go Back
- 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup cranberry juice - 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - Juice from one fresh lemon - Lemon slices for garnish - Fresh cranberries for garnish - Cinnamon sticks for stirring and garnish The key to a great Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy lies in the right mix of ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor that warms you inside. Apple cider is the base. It gives the drink its sweet, fruity taste. Choose a good quality cider for the best flavor. Next, cranberry juice adds a tangy note. This helps balance the sweetness of the cider and honey. Look for juice with no added sugar. Honey is your sweetener. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Start with one tablespoon and add more if you like. Ground cinnamon and ground ginger bring warmth and spice. They create a cozy feel, perfect for cold days. Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink. It adds a zesty kick that lifts the flavors. For garnish, lemon slices and fresh cranberries make your mug look festive. They also add a touch of freshness. Lastly, cinnamon sticks serve two purposes. They stir the drink and add visual appeal. Plus, they give an extra hint of spice with each sip. Gather these ingredients to create your warm, cozy drink. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that makes each mug of Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy special. 1. First, take a medium-sized saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of apple cider and 1 cup of cranberry juice. This mix gives a sweet and tart base. 2. Next, add 1 tablespoon of honey. You can adjust this to fit your taste. Then, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Stir gently. This will warm your drink and add spice. 3. Squeeze the juice from 1 fresh lemon into the pot. Lemon adds brightness and balance. Stir again to combine all the flavors. 4. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring until it’s hot but not boiling. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together perfectly. 1. Once heated, you can strain the drink for a smoother texture. Use a fine mesh sieve to catch solid spices. 2. Now, carefully ladle the hot toddy into mugs. This drink is best enjoyed warm. 1. For a nice touch, add a slice of lemon to each mug. This makes it look beautiful and adds flavor. 2. Toss in fresh cranberries for color and fun. Finish with a cinnamon stick. This not only looks great but also adds a lovely scent. To get the right taste in your cranberry apple hot toddy, you can adjust the sweetness and spice. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For those who love spice, increase the ground cinnamon or ginger. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the drink. Heating is key. Always heat the mixture gently. You want it hot but not boiling. Boiling can ruin the flavors and make the drink taste harsh. Simmer it for about five to seven minutes. This way, all the flavors blend nicely. I love serving this hot toddy in clear glass mugs. They show off the bright colors of the drink. It looks festive and inviting. Just before you serve, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top. This adds a warm aroma that makes your drink even more special. You can also add lemon slices and fresh cranberries for a beautiful touch. A cinnamon stick not only looks nice, but it’s great for stirring too. For the best results, use a medium-sized saucepan. A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly. This prevents any burning. When it comes to glassware, go for clear mugs. They highlight the drink’s color and garnishes. You can also use heat-resistant glass to keep the drink warm longer. Enjoy your cozy hot toddy! {{image_4}} You can easily make this drink your own. Try using different fruit juices. Pear juice brings a sweet touch. Pomegranate juice adds a lovely tartness. You can also play with sweeteners. Maple syrup is a great choice. It adds a rich, natural flavor. Honey can be adjusted too, based on your taste. Want to warm it up even more? Add whiskey or rum for a cozy kick. These spirits blend well with the fruity flavors. For something different, use flavored liqueurs. Orange or spiced liqueurs can enhance your drink. Experiment and find what suits your palate best! Change it up with seasonal spices. Nutmeg or cloves add warmth and festivity. They make your hot toddy feel extra special. If it’s hot outside, try a chilled version. Simply mix the juices and serve over ice. It’s a refreshing take on a classic drink, perfect for summer! To keep your cranberry apple hot toddy fresh, refrigerate it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any off-flavors. The hot toddy will last for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy your hot toddy again, reheat it gently on the stove. Use low heat to avoid burning the spices. Stir often to keep the flavors even. After reheating, add fresh lemon slices and cranberries for a bright finish. This gives it that fresh look and taste. You can freeze a hot toddy, but it’s not the best option. The spices may lose their flavor over time. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat as mentioned earlier, and add fresh garnishes after heating to restore its charm. A hot toddy is a warm drink that often combines spirits, hot water, and sweeteners. It has roots in Scotland, where it was enjoyed as a remedy for colds. The drink usually has various spices and flavors added to enhance its taste. You can prepare a hot toddy ahead of time. Just follow these steps: - Prepare the drink but do not boil it. - Cool it to room temperature. - Store it in the fridge for up to two days. - Reheat when ready to serve. Yes, cranberry juice has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It can help support urinary tract health and boost your immune system. Just watch for added sugars in some store-bought versions. Absolutely! You can make a delicious non-alcoholic version. Simply leave out the alcohol and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors. You can also use herbal tea instead of alcohol for more depth. You can easily adjust this recipe for dietary needs: - For gluten-free, all ingredients are safe. - To make it vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This blog post guided you through making a delicious hot toddy. We covered key ingredients like apple cider, cranberry juice, and spices. You learned preparation steps and garnishing tips for presentation. We explored variations, including alcohol options and seasonal twists. Storage information helped you keep leftovers fresh. You now have all the tools to impress friends and family. Enjoy crafting your perfect hot toddy and tailor it to your taste!

Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy

Warm up this season with a delicious Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy that's sure to delight! This cozy drink combines apple cider, cranberry juice, and aromatic spices for the perfect blend of flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a festive beverage that impresses at any gathering. Click through for the full recipe and learn how to make this inviting drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

1 cup cranberry juice

1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Juice from 1 fresh lemon

Lemon slices, for elegant garnish

Fresh cranberries, for a festive touch

Cinnamon sticks, for stirring and garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 2 cups of apple cider and 1 cup of cranberry juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently to blend the two juices perfectly.

    Add in 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Stir continually until the honey has completely dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

      Squeeze the juice from one fresh lemon into the saucepan and give it another stir to combine all the flavors.

        Allow the mixture to heat until it becomes hot but does not reach a boil. Let it simmer gently for approximately 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

          After heating, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solid spices.

            Carefully ladle the warm hot toddy into mugs. For an inviting presentation, garnish each mug with a slice of lemon, a handful of fresh cranberries, and a cinnamon stick for stirring.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve your hot toddy in clear glass mugs to highlight the vibrant colors and delightful garnishes. Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an enticing aroma and an additional touch of warmth. Enjoy!