Spiced Apple Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe

apple hot toddy

The world of cocktails is as old as civilization itself, a rich tapestry of flavors, traditions, and stories. Among the pantheon of classic drinks, the apple hot toddy holds a special place, particularly as autumnal winds start to chill our bones. As we dive into the intriguing origins of the apple hot toddy and explore its perfect complementarity with the fall season, allow us to introduce you to an innovative twist: the Apple Hot Toddy made with Felene’s organic sugarcane vodka distilled from fermented sugarcane.

A Brief Glimpse into the Hot Toddy’s Origins

The hot toddy, traditionally a concoction of spirits, honey, water, and spices, is believed to have originated in the 18th century. The term “toddy” is derived from ‘tārī’, an Indian drink made by fermenting the sap of palm trees. British merchants and colonizers, taken by the warming properties of this beverage, brought the concept back to Europe, where it underwent its transformation.

Whiskey or brandy was initially the spirit of choice in Europe. But as with all classic recipes, innovation has allowed for a broad interpretation over the centuries. The apple variant, a nod to the orchard’s bounties, brought a sweet, tart dimension that perfectly balanced the richness of the spirits.

Felene’s Organic Vodka: A Modern Touch to a Classic

While whiskey and brandy have been the historic anchors of the hot toddy, Felene’s organic vodka, distilled with precision in Denver, Colorado from fermented sugarcane, offers a refreshingly modern take. Our vodka’s clean, crisp profile acts as a canvas, letting the apple’s natural sweetness shine while still providing that essential warmth we seek in a toddy.

Warm Cocktails: The Quintessence of Comfort

There’s something inherently comforting about cradling a warm drink as the temperature dips. Warm cocktails, with their steamy embrace, act as a balm to our souls, providing solace and relaxation. Their warmth aids in soothing sore throats and clearing nasal passages, making them a popular choice during the colder months, both for pleasure and minor ailment relief.

The fall season, with its array of colors and the aroma of fallen leaves, pairs wonderfully with the apple hot toddy. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, this drink becomes a bridge between the crispness of fall and the chill of winter.

Apple Varieties for the Perfect Hot Toddy: A Connoisseur’s Guide

The right choice of apple can dramatically influence the flavor profile of your apple hot toddy. As fall blankets the landscape in a medley of colors, apple orchards come alive, offering a range of apple varieties, each with its unique taste and texture. For those seeking to craft the perfect apple hot toddy using Felene’s organic vodka, understanding which apple varieties work best is essential.

1. Honeycrisp

Flavor Profile: Sweet with a hint of tartness
Why It’s Great for a Hot Toddy: Its balanced sweetness and acidity make Honeycrisp apples a popular choice. Their inherent juiciness ensures a rich apple flavor in your toddy.

2. Granny Smith

Flavor Profile: Boldly tart
Why It’s Great for a Hot Toddy: For those who prefer a punch of tartness to contrast with the sweetness of the honey or syrup in the toddy, Granny Smith is the go-to apple. Its robust acidity also pairs splendidly with the clean finish of Felene Vodka.

3. Braeburn

Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness
Why It’s Great for a Hot Toddy: Braeburn apples are known for their consistent flavor, making them reliable for a consistent-tasting apple hot toddy every time.

4. Fuji

Flavor Profile: Super sweet and crisp
Why It’s Great for a Hot Toddy: If you’re aiming for a sweeter drink without adding too much additional sweetener, Fuji apples are ideal. Their natural sweetness shines through when heated.

5. Gala

Flavor Profile: Sweet with a vanilla-like finish
Why It’s Great for a Hot Toddy: The subtle undertones of vanilla in Gala apples can add an extra layer of flavor depth to your hot toddy.

Final Thoughts

The art of crafting a delightful apple hot toddy lies not just in the choice of spirit but also in the variety of apple used. Felene’s organic vodka serves as a pristine base, capturing and elevating the essence of the apple. By choosing the right apple variety, you can tailor your drink to your exact flavor preference, ensuring a warm, comforting beverage that captures the essence of fall in a glass.

When making your hot toddy, always adjust the sweeteners and spices according to the apple’s sweetness and your personal preference.

Spiced Apple Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe

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The Classic Apple Hot Toddy Cocktail recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Felene American Handcrafted Vodka

  • 4 oz spiced apple cider

  • 1 tsp honey

  • 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice

  • Garnish
  • 2-3 whole star anise

  • 2-3 slice lemon

  • 2-3 slice apple

  • 2 sticks cinnamon

Directions

  • Heat the apple cider on medium heat in a saucepan until it begins to simmer
  • Add anise and cinnamon sticks to saucepan and turn off heat. Let sit for one minute.
  • Pour mixture into mug or clear handled glass.
  • add remaining ingredients and garnish
Timothy Kelly

Tim is the Founder & Master Distiller at Felene. He developed his passion for the spirits and hospitality business while growing-up and working in his family's restaurant and liquor store business. Tim’s passion for the epicurean lifestyle has found it’s latest manifestation in the Felene Distillery. Tim is a 10-time Gold Medal Award winning Distiller. He has won a Platinum medal at the Prestigious Los Angeles Spirits Awards and his signature vodka was named Best-in-Category by the American Distilling Institute. Mr. Kelly is also a prolific author and writer and his blog is filled with ideas, discoveries, observations and recommendations to help his readers enjoy life’s simple epicurean pleasures.

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