The moment the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than a mug that warms your hands and your spirit. This Hot Apple Butter Toddy, made with our Apple-achian Chai, tastes like everything we love about fall in the Blue Ridge — spiced apples, honeybush warmth, and a slow, golden sweetness that feels like home.
Unlike traditional hot toddies that rely on whiskey and lemon, this one starts with tea and apple butter. It’s gently spiced, naturally caffeine-free, and rich enough to sip after dinner or during a quiet evening by the fire. You can keep it spirit-free or add a splash of bourbon for an extra layer of coziness. Either way, it’s comfort in a cup.
The Inspiration
Our Apple-achian Chai is a honeybush-based herbal blend with apple pieces and warming spices. It’s like chai’s gentle, Appalachian cousin — sweet, woodsy, and grounding. When combined with apple butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, it becomes something completely new: a creamy, spiced toddy that feels nostalgic and luxurious at the same time.
Hot Apple Butter Toddy Recipe
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Apple-achian Chai
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 2 ounces bourbon or spiced rum
- Garnish: cinnamon stick or apple slice
Instructions:
-
Brew the tea:
Bring water to a boil, add Apple-achian Chai, and steep for 7–10 minutes. Strain and return the tea to the pot. -
Add flavor:
Whisk in apple butter, maple syrup, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. -
Warm gently:
Reheat the mixture on low until steaming but not boiling. If adding bourbon or rum, stir it in just before serving. -
Serve:
Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice.
Optional Variations
- Spiced Cider Version: Replace half the water with apple cider for an even richer base.
- Creamy Toddy: Add a splash of oat milk or cream before serving for a thicker texture.
- Citrus Twist: Add a strip of orange peel while brewing the tea for a hint of brightness.
A Toast to the Season
This toddy is the kind of drink that makes you want to slow down. It invites you to linger at the table, to tell one more story, to breathe a little deeper. The honeybush base of Apple-achian Chai brings natural warmth without caffeine, so you can sip it late into the evening.
It’s perfect for fall gatherings, post-dinner drinks, or a quiet moment of peace after a long day. The apple butter adds body, the maple brings depth, and the chai spices tie it all together with the comfort of home baking.
The Heart of Apple-achian Chai
Inspired by Appalachian orchards and the scent of spiced tea simmering on the stove, our Apple-achian Chai celebrates cozy, homespun flavors. It’s herbal and grounding, filled with apple pieces and warming spices that feel both familiar and new.
The Hot Apple Butter Toddy captures that essence perfectly. It’s the warmth of a kitchen after dark, the hum of a kettle, and the small luxury of slowing down.
