This cozy apple cider hot toddy with vodka takes under 10 minutes to make and will warm you from the inside out. Apple cider and honey combine with hot water, spices, and vodka for an easy vodka cocktail. Thanks to Hangar 1 Vodka for sponsoring this post!
This cozy beverage is perfect for the holidays or any day, just like other community-favorite cocktails such as The Verdant Lady and Mumbai Mules.
Can I Make a Hot Toddy with Vodka?
This is what I found myself wondering when Hangar 1 sent me a bottle of vodka and a jar of local honey earlier this month. Hot toddies are traditionally made with bourbon or whiskey, though other spirits such as brandy, rum, and vodka are also sometimes used.
It turns out vodka makes a light and delicious hot toddy every bit as flavorful as the original. I add apple cider and spices for a festive, holiday-worthy cocktail that takes just minutes to make.
Ingredients
This apple cider hot toddy with vodka comes together in a matter of minutes with a handful of ingredients, yet it tastes like apple cider that has been mulled for hours.
- Fresh-pressed apple cider can be found at farmers markets and well-stocked grocers. Farmers often freeze bottles of apple cider and sell it throughout the fall. If you don't have access to any, you can use a shelf-stable apple juice or apple cider instead.
- Freshly grated ginger adds zip and mellow spice. I use a microplane to grate it finely enough that it easily releases its juices.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice offsets the sweetness of honey and apple cider.
- A small amount of honey lends floral notes and that quintessential honey hot toddy taste.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg make this drink taste like fall in a cup.
- Vodka gives this drink a kick while letting the other flavors shine through.
How to Make It
This cozy drink comes together in about 5 minutes. The recipe makes 1 serving, but I've included a large batch formula below if you need toddies for a crowd.
Virgin Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Skipping the booze? No problem! You can either just leave the alcohol off for a light and luscious virgin apple cider hot toddy. Or try what I've been doing and add a 2 ounce shot of Seedlip Grove – a non-alcoholic distillation with aromas of ginger and citrus. It adds similar complexity as the vodka with none of the booze.
A History of Hot Toddies
The hot toddy comes from the Indian drink toddy, made from fermented palm tree sap. The hot toddy as we now know it in the West – distilled spirit mixed with hot water, lemon, honey, and spices – dates back to the 1700's. Hot toddies are beloved in the UK and Ireland where they're traditionally made with whiskey. In Canada maple syrup is frequently used in place of honey. Hot toddies are often drunk before bed or to soothe a cough, cold, or sore throat.
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5-Minute Vodka & Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 6 ounces (175 ml) apple cider (preferably fresh-pressed)
- 2 ounces (60 ml) water
- ½ - 1 teaspoon packed, finely grated ginger root (to your taste)
- dash each cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) vodka
- 1 teaspoon strained fresh lemon juice (or more to your taste)
- ½ teaspoon honey (or less if your apple cider is on the sweet side)
- cinnamon stick, apple slice, or lemon wheel to garnish
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider, water, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer.
- Meanwhile, combine the vodka and lemon juice in a mug.
- Strain the hot spiced cider into the mug, discarding the solids. Stir in the honey until melted. Taste, adding more lemon or honey to balance the drink if need be.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple round, and/or lemon wheel and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Large-batch Honey Vodka & Apple Cider Hot Toddies
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 4 ½ cups (1 liter) apple cider (preferably fresh-pressed)
- 1 ½ cups (350 ml) hot water
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) packed, finely grated ginger root (to your taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (265 ml) Hangar 1 Honeycomb Vodka (or Straight Vodka)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) strained lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
- cinnamon sticks, apple rounds, and/or lemon wheels for garnish
- In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, water, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg and bring to a bare simmer.
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, water, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg and bring to a bare simmer.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the vodka, lemon juice, and honey. Stir to combine, then taste, adding more of any ingredient you like to bring the drink into balance. You can keep the pot covered in a warm spot and serve guests as they arrive.
- Strain into mugs, garnish, and serve.
Aysegul says
I, too, have been a fan of Hangar 1's new honeycomb vodka. With the weather being as cold as it is now I am so ready for such a gorgeous drink. As always, the photos are breathtaking.
I know I'll be serving this delicious drink during the holidays. Thanks for yet another great recipe.
Cheers!
Alanna says
Aw thank you friend! I hope we can drink these and your delicious Honeycomb Smash Cocktails together in the not-too-distant future. <333
Jay Doane says
This was absolutely delicious, and I'm sad it's finally gone from the fridge.
(Review provided by my husband Jay who is a whole human being in his own right.)
Alanna says
Never fear - I'll be making it on the reg this season <3
Sabrina says
very nice, warming cocktail, or toddy, thank you
Vicky says
So delicious. Made this for a cocktail party I was having and it went over very well with people! I just used normal hanger one with a little bit of extra honey! It was the perfect amount of sweet!
Alanna says
I'm so glad you liked it Vicky! That sounds like the perfect substitution. :)
AJAY+NAIK says
This preparation was simply amazing! Everyone enjoyed the process of making and drinking it!!!
Alanna says
I'm so glad it was a hit!
Tim says
Delicious. The only reason that I didn't give a 5 star is that I prefer about a quarter of the lemon called for. Otherwise, this is amazing and will be one of my hot cider recipes for guests. Thank you for sharing.
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
I'm so glad you liked this drink and that you found a lemon level that was just right to your taste. Thanks very much for the feedback!