Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Tea Toddy
Warm your spirits with this delightful Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Tea Toddy, a perfect beverage for chilly evenings. This inviting drink combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked apple juice infused with cinnamon, along with the robust essence of brewed black tea and the smooth warmth of apple brandy. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves eight and is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the cozy aromas as you sip and share this festive drink, making memories with every warming cup.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Filtered Apple Juice
2 quarts (None)
Brewed Black Tea (English Breakfast)
1.5 cups (Brew according to package instructions and set aside)
Apple Brandy (Calvados)
1.5 cups (None)
Cinnamon Sticks
8 (None)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot, bring the filtered apple juice to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the juice thickens and reduces to about 1 1/2 cups, which typically takes around 50 minutes.
2
In a separate 2-quart saucepan, combine the prepared apple syrup with the brewed black tea and apple brandy (Calvados). Heat the mixture over moderate heat until it is hot but not boiling, stirring gently to blend the flavors.
3
Once heated through, carefully divide the hot toddy mixture into eight small cups or mugs.
4
Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick, allowing the warm spices to infuse further as you enjoy your beverage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Tea Toddy?
It is a warm, spiced alcoholic beverage made by combining reduced apple juice syrup with brewed black tea and apple brandy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
How long does it take to reduce the apple juice?
It typically takes about 50 minutes to simmer 2 quarts of apple juice down to the required 1.5 cups of syrup.
What type of tea is recommended for this toddy?
The recipe calls for brewed English Breakfast black tea for a robust flavor.
What kind of alcohol is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of Apple Brandy, specifically suggesting Calvados.
Should I use filtered or unfiltered apple juice?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 quarts of filtered apple juice.
Is this drink served hot or cold?
This is a hot toddy intended to be served warm, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
How many cinnamon sticks do I need?
You will need 8 cinnamon sticks, used primarily as a garnish for each individual serving.
Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
While the recipe includes brandy, you could omit it for a non-alcoholic version, though the flavor profile will differ.
What is the final volume of the apple juice after reduction?
The 2 quarts of juice should be reduced until it measures approximately 1 1/2 cups.
At what heat should I reduce the apple juice?
Start by bringing it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently.
Do I need to stir the apple juice while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the juice occasionally as it thickens and reduces.
Should I boil the mixture once the brandy is added?
No, you should heat the mixture over moderate heat until it is hot but not boiling.
What size saucepan is needed for mixing the final ingredients?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for combining the apple syrup, tea, and brandy.
What is the best way to serve the toddy?
Divide the hot mixture into eight small cups or mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick.
Can I use a different type of tea?
While English Breakfast is suggested, you can use other black teas, but it may slightly alter the intended taste.
Is Calvados the only brandy I can use?
Any quality apple brandy will work, but Calvados is the specific variety mentioned in the recipe.
Can I prepare the tea in advance?
Yes, the instructions suggest brewing the black tea and setting it aside before mixing.
How much tea is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of brewed black tea.
Is this a good drink for holiday parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday drink and is perfect for festive gatherings.
Does this drink contain caffeine?
Since it contains black tea, it will have some caffeine unless you use a decaffeinated tea variety.
Can I make the apple syrup ahead of time?
Yes, you can reduce the apple juice into syrup in advance to save time during your gathering.
What kind of pot should I use for reducing the juice?
A large heavy pot is recommended to ensure even heating during the reduction process.
How much apple brandy is in each serving?
With 1.5 cups total for 8 servings, each drink contains approximately 1.5 ounces of apple brandy.
What season is this drink best suited for?
This drink is ideal for fall and winter, particularly on chilly nights.
Do I need to add sugar to this recipe?
No extra sugar is needed, as the natural sugars in the apple juice concentrate into a sweet syrup.
Can I use ground cinnamon if I don't have sticks?
The sticks are used for garnish and infusion; ground cinnamon might make the drink cloudy, but can be used in a pinch.
Is this considered a cocktail?
Yes, it is categorized as a cocktail and a warm beverage.
How do the cinnamon sticks affect the flavor?
The cinnamon sticks allow warm spices to infuse into the beverage as it is being sipped.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
You only need 4 ingredients: apple juice, black tea, apple brandy, and cinnamon sticks.