What makes this recipe really sing: Don’t skimp on the fresh cider here. When the cider is simmered and thickened, the flavor is intensely apple, and intensely autumn! Star anise and cinnamon stick will fill your house with a delicious aroma – you might want to quadruple this recipe and keep it warm on the stove throughout a cold winter evening with friends.
Toss a few slices of crisp apple and a squeeze of orange juice in the warm cider if you have it. For a true toddy, float a pat of butter on each drink and relax by the fire.–Claire Robinson
LC Tis the Season Note
Honestly? We’re not so smitten with cooler weather. Except, natch, as an excuse to luxuriate in beef oxtails, duck confit, hot toddies, and the like. So, a toast, to the arrival of a new season as a harbinger of lovely things. (Clink!)
Apple Spiced Bourbon Toddies Recipe
Hands-On Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Makes 4 cocktails
Ingredients
- 1 quart (4 cups) fresh apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise, plus 4 more for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup good-quality bourbon, or, if you must, whiskey
- 4 pats butter (optional)
Directions
- 1. Place the cider, cinnamon, and star anise in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half and has intensified in flavor, about 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice and bourbon and stir until warmed through. If desired, place over low, low heat and cover partially to keep warm until needed.
- 2. Pour into warmed mugs or snifters and garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise and, if desired, a pat of butter.
Thirsty for more? Sip on these:
- Bourbon Peach Punch from Eat Boutique
- Bourbon Banana Colada from Gluten-Free Easily
- Bourbon Milk Punch from Leite's Culinaria
- Maple Leaf Cocktail from Leite's Culinaria
Apple Spiced Bourbon Toddies Recipe © 2010 Claire Robinson. Photo © 2010 Stephen Murello. All rights reserved.
