This is my kind of cold-weather drink. I’ve had a savage case of the sniffles the last few days, and I asked The Angry Chef if he might oblige me with some kind of apple cider hot toddy.
He kindly whipped up this Nutty Spiked Cider. He’s worked as a Boston bartender on and off for the last 20 years, so he knows his way around a shaker.
This is the perfect thing to drink when you’re nestled under a blanket on the couch watching movies late into the night. It would be an awesome and gracious way to greet someone who just dug out your car after a snowstorm (along with a thick slice of pound cake or toasted pumpkin bread slathered with butter). You can even serve it as a spicy dessert drink after an elegant dinner.
This recipe makes a generous cocktail for two—or an almost (but not quite) overindulgent helping for one. The cider is fragrant with nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. The whipped cream on top provides a rich, cold balance and gives the drink the vaguest hint of caramel as it melts down into the cider.
This is a basic recipe. Definitely adjust the spicing and amount of booze to your taste. In terms of alcohol content, this drink definitely won’t knock you over. For a bigger kick, The Angry Chef recommends doubling the amount of each liquor.
Nutty Spiked Cider For Two
24 oz. apple cider (that’s 3 cups)
1/16 tsp. ground clove
1/16 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 whole cinnamon stick (plus more for garnishing)
2 shots vodka
1 shot amaretto
1 shot frangelico
whipped cream
ground cinnamon
Nutty Spiked Cider for Two: Gather up your ingredients
If you have fresh nutmeg you can grate, definitely do that—your drink will have a better flavor. We were fresh out at the Mouse House tonight, so we made due with ground. (Which worked just fine.)
Nutty Spiked Cider for Two: Simmer the cider
Add the cider to a medium sauce pot.
Add the nutmeg and clove.
Toss in a cinnamon stick. Stir to combine.
Set your pot the stove over medium-high heat. Bring it up to a simmer. When it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Let it just barely simmer (not boil) for about 10 minutes.
Nutty Spiked Cider for Two: Combine the liquors
While the cider is on the stove, mix up the liquors. Add the vodka, amaretto, and frangelico to a cocktail shaker. Cap it and give it a stiff shake to thoroughly combine.
Nutty Spiked Cider for Two: Add the liquor to the cider and serve
After about 10 minutes, your cider should smell fabulous and spicy. To serve two, divide it between two mugs. Top with whipped cream sprinkled with a pinch of powdered cinnamon.
For a more elegant presentation, serve the cider in heat-resistant wine glasses garnished with whipped cream, powdered cinnamon, and a whole cinnamon stick.
Cheers!