Apple Cider Rooibos Hot Toddy

By Minimalist Baker

Simple, soul-warming apple cider hot toddy infused with ginger, cinnamon, and rooibos tea. Spicy, naturally sweet, and perfect for cold winter nights.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unfiltered apple juice
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 medium lemon, juiced ((more for tart))
• 1 cinnamon stick ((or sub 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon per 1 cinnamon stick))
• 5-6 slices fresh ginger ((1/4-inch thick))
• 1 healthy pinch ground ginger
• 1 pinch each salt + pepper
• 1 pinch each salt + pepper
• 2 rooibos tea bags ((or sub chai tea))
• 1 pinch ground cayenne (for spice/heat) ((optional))
• 1 ounce bourbon (we love Bulleit Rye Whiskey)
• 1-2 Tbsp sweetener ((coconut sugar or maple syrup // optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Add apple juice, water, lemon, cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, ground ginger, and salt + pepper to a small saucepan and heat over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer, then turn off heat and add rooibos tea bags. Steep for 10-12 minutes, still on the stove (heat turned off).

2. 2

   Sample and adjust flavor as needed, adding cayenne and/or bourbon at this time. If you find it needs more sweetness, add coconut sugar or maple syrup (optional).

3. 3

   Remove tea bags and divide between two (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) serving glasses, with additional slices of lemon. Serve hot.

4. 4

   Best when fresh, though leftovers will keep covered well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.