The cold is hitting hard this year! In fact, it seems to be getting colder and colder each year – but that could just be me getting older? By the time I’m eighty, I’ll be wearing my duvet to leave the house.
When I tire of tea and coffee, but still want something to warm my hands, and my soul, I’ll make this – my take on a hot apple toddy, although this time, it’s alcohol free.
NON-ALCH HOT APPLE TODDY
Warm, sweet, and perfect for a cosy Aperitivo Time, this recipe is a nod to the traditional hot toddy, but without the alcohol.
Ingredients
- 500 ml apple juice not from concentrate
- 2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- thumb-sized piece ginger roughly chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tsp runny honey
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- to serve: cinnamon sticks, apple slices, lemon zest – some or none
Instructions
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Combine the apple juice, cloves, star anise, ginger, cinnamon stick and 100ml water in a saucepan over a medium heat. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the spices infuse into the juice.
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Meanwhile, divide the honey and lemon juice between two mugs, or heatproof glasses.
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Ladle the apple juice between each mug or glass and give it a good stir, to dissolve the honey. Taste and add a little extra honey, or lemon, if if suits you.
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Either serve the hot apple toddy as it is, or, garnish with any or all of the following: cinnamon stick, apple slices, lemon zest. Drink and get cosy.
Recipe Notes
For an alcoholic version, finish each glass with a 25ml shot of bourbon.
For a very nice alcohol-free aperitivo time, pair this hot apple toddy with my ginger nuts with stilton & pear or, if you’re looking for more recipe inspiration, check out my Instagram.
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