On a cold winter’s day, there really isn’t anything better than curling up with a special, warm drink. A hot toddy is the obvious choice when the time calls for it, but sometimes, you don’t want something with alcohol.
That’s where this recipe comes in! While a traditional hot toddy uses hot water mixed with some honey, spices and your tipple of choice, I swapped in some apple juice. Simmering it with some warm spices and incorporating a few finishes, it’s the perfect, non-alcoholic way to enjoy a cosy drink in cold weather.
How to Make an Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy
This recipe is so easy and is mostly hands-off, but do plan at least 30 minutes ahead to allow time for the spices to steep in the apple juice.
That being said, make sure you use a good quality cloudy apple juice (apple cider for those in the US). I like the unfiltered kind that is only from 100% apples – this makes for the best hot toddy!
Now, to make your toddy, add your juice to a small saucepan. To the saucepan, go ahead and add in some whole cinnamon sticks, a handful of cloves and some black peppercorns.
If you want to add other warm spices, like allspice berries, star anise, or cardamom pods, you can do this at this point, too.
Set the pan over medium heat, cover it, and bring the juice up to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the juice to very gently simmer (still covered) for about 30 minutes. At which point, your house is going to smell amazing!
Go ahead and strain the remaining solids from the juice. Discard the spices (you’ve got all the flavour out of them at this point) and pour the spiced, hot juice back into the pot. Then, stir in a bit of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice.
And that is it! You can go ahead and pour it into a mug and feel the cosiness wash over you with each sip.
I find this hot toddy to be a lighter, more sophisticated winter drink when compared to something like hot chocolate, and it’s a great option when you want something special without any alcohol.
Hot Toddy Without Alcohol
Ingredients
- 1 l (4 cups) apple juice
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Add apple juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks and peppercorns to a small saucepan. Set over medium heat, cover, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the solids from the apple juice, discard, and return the juice to the pot. Stir in the honey and lemon juice. Divide into mugs and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Making a hot toddy doesn’t have to contain whiskey or brandy! It’s super easy to make the perfect warm winter drink with no alcohol at all.
Are you after the perfect non-alcoholic hot toddy? Have any questions about this recipe? Let me know in the comments!
