WRRV’s 12 Days of Cocktails: The Hot Applejack Toddy

Not all cocktails are served cold as we continue with the WRRV's 12 Days of Cocktails, Day 8, we have reached our first 'Toddy' or 'Hot Toddy.' There are a few reasons that you want this to be served warm. This first, and probably most important, is to warm YOU up from the inside. More on the way about what a toddy is and some different takes on them, but first, here is a Toddy from Hudson Valley Distillers using their Adirondack Applejack.

Hot Applejack Toddy

Hudson Valley Distillers says that this cocktail was inspired by their friends from Ireland but they have given it a 'Hudson Valley' twist.

• 4 Cups Local Apple Cider
• 3/4 to 1 cup of HV Distillers Adirondack Applejack (to your taste preference)
• 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 5 1/8” slices peeled ginger
• Dash of vanilla
• Optional: caramel sauce

Combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pan over medium to low heat and simmer, do not allow to boil.  Pour in to heat resistant mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Add caramel sauce if you would like to sweeten the toddy, after pouring it into the mug.

What is a 'Toddy?' A toddy is a mixture of your liquid base, which could be apple cider, tea or water that has been heated with sugar, spices and then has spirit added. The spirit is up to you, brandy, applejack, rum, bourbon are all great options. Some basic toddies start with hot water, a squeeze of lemon juice and a shot of whiskey. I have also made them with hot tea, honey, lemon juice and bourbon. Always keep in mind that some people will want them sweeter than others and when heating your ingredients, do not let them boil. If it boils, you will cook off the alcohol, which has those lovely warming properties.

Here is a look at the WRRV Spirit Society Meeting that took place at Hudson Valley Distillers: