Apple and Chai Hot Toddy with Apple Cider
A hot toddy with apple cider is one of those drinks that instantly makes everything feel a little calmer. This version blends warm apple juice or cider with masala chai, honey, and a touch of whisky for a cozy, spiced take on the classic toddy.
Using tea gives it a deeper, more aromatic flavour, the cinnamon, cardamom, and clove from the chai mingle beautifully with the sweetness of the apple cider. The result is smooth, gently spiced, and just the right amount of warming.
It’s a simple hot toddy with tea that feels comforting without being heavy, perfect for a quiet evening in or as a soothing after-dinner drink.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Chai Hot Toddy
🍎 Spiced and soothing: The combination of apple cider, honey, and masala chai makes this a warm, comforting hot toddy cider that’s full of gentle spice and natural sweetness.
🍎 Made with tea and cider, not water: Brewing the toddy with chai tea gives it more depth and character, a cozy upgrade from the classic version.
🍎 Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples, cider, tea, honey, and whisky, to make this easy hot toddy recipe in minutes.
🍎 Perfect balance: The apple adds sweetness, the lemon adds brightness, and the whisky brings just enough warmth for a good hot toddy recipe you’ll come back to all season long.
🍎 Ideal for autumn and winter: This spiced cider and tea blend feels like a hug in a mug, the perfect drink to wind down after a long day.
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Apple and Chai Hot Toddy Ingredients
This hot toddy with apple cider brings together a few simple, cozy ingredients that you probably already have at home. The apple and chai give it warmth and spice, while the whisky, honey, and lemon add balance and comfort in every sip.
You will need:
☕ Apple cider or apple juice for a naturally sweet, fruity base.
☕ Chai tea bags or loose-leaf masala chai for rich, aromatic spice.
☕ Honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar to gently sweeten.
☕ Whisky, bourbon, or Scotch for a smooth, warming kick.
☕ Fresh lemon for a touch of brightness.
☕ Optional cinnamon stick or star anise for garnish.
These easy hot toddy ingredients come together in minutes to create a soothing hot toddy with tea that feels perfect for autumn evenings or slow weekend mornings.
Try your hand at blending your own tea with this recipe 👉 homemade masala chai spice blend
Apple Cider vs Apple Juice
You can make this hot toddy with apple cider or apple juice, and both work well, the choice just depends on what you have on hand and your taste preferences.
🍏 Apple cider is usually unfiltered and less processed, so it has a cloudy look and a deeper, tangier flavour. Many ciders contain pulp and sediment. It brings a lovely natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with the warm spices in chai tea.
🍏 Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered and lighter in flavour, giving your hot toddy with tea a clearer, smoother finish. If you prefer a softer, cleaner taste, apple juice is the way to go.
Either one will make a good hot toddy recipe, but cider gives that extra cozy, homemade feel, especially in autumn.
Making Apple and Chai Hot Toddies at Home
Making a hot toddy with apple cider and tea from scratch couldn’t be easier, it takes less than ten minutes and fills the kitchen with the most comforting autumn aroma.
Start by gently heating your apple juice or cider with masala chai in a saucepan over low heat. Let it infuse for around 5–10 minutes so the chai spices have time to mingle with the apple juice or cider. Once it’s fragrant, strain out the tea leaves or remove the tea bags, then pour the spiced apple mixture back into the pan.
Stir in your sweetener (honey works fabulously here), a squeeze of lemon juice, and your favourite whisky. Give everything a gentle stir, then pour into mugs. Garnish each hot toddie with a cinnamon stick and a few thin apple slices for a cozy, seasonal finish.
Apple and Chai Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 6–8 heaped teaspoons of masala chai or 6 tea bags
- 8 cups (4 pints) of apple juice or cider
- ¼ cup (85g) of honey, agave, or maple syrup – to taste
- 8–16oz of whisky
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Method
- In a saucepan, warm the apple juice and chai together over low heat for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain out the tea leaves or remove the tea bags, then return the spiced apple mixture to the pan.
- Stir in honey, whisky, and a squeeze of lemon juice until well blended.
- Pour into mugs and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Find the full recipe here: Apple and Chai Hot Toddy Recipe
Make 1 to 6 Servings: Conversion Chart
If you’d like to make this apple and chai hot toddy for just yourself or for a cozy get-together with friends, this simple chart makes adjusting the recipe a breeze. It breaks down all the hot toddy ingredients, from chai and apple cider to honey and whisky, so you can scale this easy hot toddy recipe for one, two, four, or a full batch. Whether it’s a quiet evening treat or a festive fall drink to share, you’ll have the perfect balance of flavour every single time.
Apple and Chai Hot Toddy Conversion Chart
| Ingredient | 1 Serving | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6–8 Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masala Chai (loose or bags) | 1 tsp or 1 bag | 2 tsp or 2 bags | 4 tsp or 4 bags | 6–8 tsp or 6 bags |
| Apple Juice or Cider | 1 cup (8 fl oz) | 2 cups (16 fl oz) | 4 cups (32 fl oz) | 8 cups (4 pints) |
| Honey / Agave / Maple Syrup | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup (85g) |
| Whisky | 1–2 fl oz | 2–4 fl oz | 4–8 fl oz | 8–16 fl oz |
| Lemon Juice | Small squeeze | ½ small lemon | 1 lemon | 1–2 lemons |
| Garnish (Apple & Cinnamon) | 1 slice & 1 stick | 2 slices & 2 sticks | 4 slices & 4 sticks | 6–8 slices & sticks |
1 Serving
- Masala Chai1 tsp or 1 bag
- Apple Juice/Cider1 cup (8 fl oz)
- Sweetener1 tsp
- Whisky1–2 fl oz
- LemonSmall squeeze
- Garnish1 apple slice & 1 cinnamon stick
2 Servings
- Masala Chai2 tsp or 2 bags
- Apple Juice/Cider2 cups (16 fl oz)
- Sweetener2 tsp
- Whisky2–4 fl oz
- Lemon½ small lemon
- Garnish2 apple slices & 2 sticks
4 Servings
- Masala Chai4 tsp or 4 bags
- Apple Juice/Cider4 cups (32 fl oz)
- Sweetener2 tbsp
- Whisky4–8 fl oz
- Lemon1 lemon
- Garnish4 apple slices & 4 sticks
6–8 Servings
- Masala Chai6–8 tsp or 6 bags
- Apple Juice/Cider8 cups (4 pints)
- Sweetener¼ cup (85g)
- Whisky8–16 fl oz
- Lemon1–2 lemons
- Garnish6–8 apple slices & sticks
Tips for the Perfect Fall Hot Toddy
Use real apple cider when you can. It gives your hot toddy cider a richer flavour and adds a cozy, homemade touch that apple juice can’t quite match.
Brew your chai strong. Since this is a hot toddy with tea, a bold masala chai helps the spices shine through the sweetness of the cider and honey.
Balance your flavours. Too much lemon can overpower the apple, and too much honey can make it overly sweet. Aim for a smooth, even blend.
Serve it warm, not boiling. Let your toddy cool slightly before sipping; this keeps the flavours balanced and the alcohol from evaporating too quickly.
Garnish with intention. A cinnamon stick, star anise, or thin apple slice makes your drink look beautiful and adds a subtle aroma with every sip.
Adjust the spirit. Whisky is classic, but dark rum or brandy also make a good hot toddy recipe, each adds its own unique warmth and character.
These simple tweaks turn an easy hot toddy recipe into something truly delicious!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make a hot toddy with apple cider instead of water?
Absolutely. Using apple cider gives your hot toddy with tea a richer, naturally sweet flavour and makes it feel extra cozy, perfect for autumn or winter nights.
2. What kind of tea is best for a hot toddy?
Masala chai works perfectly, but you can also try black tea, Earl Grey, chamomile, or a caffeine-free rooibos. Any warm, spiced blend makes a great hot toddy with tea.
3. What’s the difference between a hot toddy and mulled cider?
A hot toddy is typically made by mixing tea, honey, lemon, and whisky (or another spirit), while mulled cider is simmered with spices and fruit for longer. The toddy is lighter and quicker to make.
4. Can I make this hot toddy without alcohol?
Yes! Skip the whisky and you’ll still have a delicious tea-based apple cider drink that’s soothing and family-friendly. To skip the caffeine, choose a decaffeinated chai or a rooibos-based blend.
5. What spirit works best for a hot toddy?
Whisky is traditional, but dark rum or brandy adds a lovely depth and sweetness. Each variation creates its own version of a good hot toddy recipe.
6. Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, apple juice gives a smoother, lighter flavour, while apple cider adds tang and body. Both work perfectly in this easy hot toddy recipe.
7. How can I make this for a crowd?
Simply multiply the hot toddy ingredients and keep the spiced cider base warm in a slow cooker. Let guests add whisky to taste.
8. What are the best garnishes for a hot toddy?
Try cinnamon sticks, star anise, and thin slices of fresh apple. They look beautiful and gently infuse the drink with aroma.
9. Is a hot toddy good for a sore throat or a cold?
A warm hot toddy with apple cider can soothe a sore throat thanks to the honey, lemon, and heat. It’s a comforting home remedy, but not a medical treatment.
10. Can I make the apple chai base ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the chai-infused cider in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day. Reheat gently before adding the whisky and lemon juice for the freshest flavour.
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