Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 6 cups apple cider
- 1 ½ cups bourbon
- 4 orange slices (from half an orange)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
For Serving:
- Thinly sliced apples
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the apple cider, bourbon, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods into a large pot or dutch oven. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for balanced flavor.
- Simmer Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and gently simmer the mixture for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the spices to infuse the cider perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour the hot toddy into mugs. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and thinly sliced apple rounds to add a festive touch and enhance the aroma.
- Optional Warm Holding: If serving later, keep the remaining hot toddy on very low heat to maintain warmth without boiling, allowing flavors to develop further for up to a couple of hours.
Notes
- If preparing in advance, remove the orange slices and whole spices before refrigerating, as prolonged contact could impart bitterness to the drink.
- For a milder alcoholic flavor, reduce bourbon from 1 ½ cups to 1 cup.
- The recipe can easily be halved or scaled up as needed to serve smaller or larger groups.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
