
By Becky Hardin
Published Nov 12, 2021

Sip on all of the best cozy fall flavors when you enjoy an Apple Cider Hot Toddy ! This warm whiskey cocktail is made flavorful with honey, lemon juice, and of course apple cider. It’s an adults-only beverage that will make Thanksgiving even more delicious!

What’s in this Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe
This easy apple hot toddy recipe features just six ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes (or less). It’s just like a classic hot toddy , but with autumnal apple cider!
- Apple Cider : Store-bought apple cider works just fine! If you do want to make your own, try my easy Crockpot apple cider recipe .
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the very best flavor. Try to avoid using bottled juice if possible.
- Spices: You’ll need one cinnamon stick and one star anise for this cocktail recipe. They both add such a wonderful aromatic quality!
- Whiskey: This recipe contains a double shot of whiskey. You can half it if you prefer a less strong drink.
PRO TIP: Take the cocktail off of the heat when you add in the whiskey. If the drink continues to heat, the alcohol will evaporate.
What’s the best whiskey to use in a hot toddy?
I love to make this drink with a whiskey bourbon like Jack Daniels. I find the flavor works so well with the apple cider and spices. You could make this with a Scotch or Irish whiskey if you prefer, or try Fireball for an extra kick of cinnamon flavor.

You can keep the hot toddy warm on the stovetop for a couple of hours if you want to enjoy more than one drink, just don’t let it boil. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days and easily reheated.
You can serve this cocktail without any garnishes, but I like to add a cinnamon stick and slice of apple and lemon to each glass to make it feel extra special and to enhance the flavors.
Honey helps to balance out the flavor of the whiskey and lemon. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a great substitution. You can also stir in some brown sugar instead until it dissolves.

How to Store/Reheat
Once cooled, transfer your apple cider hot toddy to an airtight container. Keep it stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the Crockpot or right back on the stove until warmed through. Don’t let it come to a boil when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these fall hot toddys after Thanksgiving dinner as a dessert cocktail!

Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 cup apple cider
- ▢ ¼ lemon
- ▢ 1 tablespoon honey
- ▢ 1 cinnamon stick
- ▢ 1 star anise
- ▢ 2 oz whiskey
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider, lemon, honey, cinnamon, and star anise in a small pot. Bring the mixture up to a simmer over high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to steep for 2 minutes. 1 cup apple cider, ¼ lemon, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise
- Add the whiskey to the apple cider and serve in your favorite mug. 2 oz whiskey
Becky’s Tips
- This drink can be kept warm on the stovetop, alternatively you can transfer it to your slow cooker to keep it warm if you are doubling the recipe.
- Take the cocktail off of the heat when you add in the whiskey. If the drink continues to heat, the alcohol will evaporate.
- This recipe contains a double shot of whiskey. You can half it if you prefer a less strong drink.
- Drink responsibly!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More FallCocktail RecipesWe Love
- Apple Pie Drink
- Apple Cider Mimosas
- Pumpkin Whiskey Smash Cocktail
- Caramel Apple Sangria
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian
- Spiked Chai Tea

Apple Cider Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 2 oz whiskey
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider, lemon, honey, cinnamon, and star anise in a small pot. Bring the mixture up to a simmer over high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to steep for 2 minutes. 1 cup apple cider, ¼ lemon, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise
- Add the whiskey to the apple cider and serve in your favorite mug. 2 oz whiskey
Notes
- This drink can be kept warm on the stovetop, alternatively you can transfer it to your slow cooker to keep it warm if you are doubling the recipe.
- Take the cocktail off of the heat when you add in the whiskey. If the drink continues to heat, the alcohol will evaporate.
- This recipe contains a double shot of whiskey. You can half it if you prefer a less strong drink.
- Drink responsibly!
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
