Spiced Apple Bourbon Hot Toddy

The week-long stretch between Christmas and New Year’s Day is my favourite part of the season, when the bustle slows and everyone retreats to the warmth of their homes (or the chill of the ski hill) and doesn’t look at email for a week. At least I don’t – as long as the tree stays up, holidays are on. We spend days in our PJs watching movies and reading books, and eating all the leftover turkey and party food from previous weeks.

And when it’s cold outside and I don’t have to work tomorrow, I love simmering a mulled wine or hot toddy on the stove. It’s also perfect for New Year’s Eve festivities – this bourbon-spiked apple cider is easy to make, and you can hold the booze for any kids in the crowd.

Spiced Apple Bourbon Hot Toddy

2 cups apple cider or juice

a few thin slices of orange or lemon

a few whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

a few thin slices of ginger

1-2 star anise (optional)

3 oz bourbon (optional)

a drizzle of honey (optional)

Combine everything in a saucepan and bring to a simmer; serve warm. (If it’s going to be simmering for awhile, add the bourbon to each individual serving, so that the alcohol doesn’t cook off.) Replenish the apple cider as needed.

Serves 3 – recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed.