The cold is hitting harder than ever this year — or perhaps I’m just feeling it more as I get older. Either way, when tea and coffee start to feel a little stale, I reach for something different to warm both my hands and my soul: a comforting hot apple toddy, made alcohol-free.
This non-alcoholic version keeps all the cosy, spiced flavours of a classic toddy, but uses pure apple juice and warming spices to create a soothing drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings, quiet nights in, or a relaxed aperitivo time.
NON-ALCH HOT APPLE TODDY
Warm, sweet and gently spiced, this alcohol-free hot toddy is a cosy alternative to the classic cocktail and ideal for relaxing evenings.
Ingredients
-
500
ml
apple juice
not from concentrate -
2
cloves -
1
star anise -
thumb-sized piece ginger
roughly chopped -
1
cinnamon stick -
2
tsp
runny honey -
2
tbsp
freshly squeezed lemon juice - To serve: cinnamon sticks, apple slices, lemon zest – optional
Instructions
-
Combine the apple juice, cloves, star anise, chopped ginger, cinnamon stick and 100ml water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the spices infuse.
-
While the spices are infusing, divide the honey and lemon juice between two mugs or heatproof glasses.
-
Ladle the hot spiced apple juice into each mug and stir well to dissolve the honey. Taste and adjust with more honey or lemon if you prefer a sweeter or tangier drink.
-
Serve as is or garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slices and a little lemon zest. Sit back, sip slowly and get cosy.
Recipe Notes
If you want an alcoholic option, finish each glass with a 25ml shot of bourbon.
For a lovely alcohol-free aperitivo, this hot apple toddy pairs beautifully with savoury bites. If you’re looking for more seasonal ideas, browse my other recipes and social posts for inspiration.