Archer's Toddy

A warming winter cocktail that embodies Sagittarius season's adventurous spirit through layers of spiced comfort. The house-made ginger honey syrup adds warming heat that complements bourbon's robust character, while spiced apple cider brings seasonal aromatics enhanced by cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Fresh lemon juice provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced sipper perfect for cold Ohio nights. This hot cocktail adaptation captures the Archer's love of exploration through familiar winter flavors elevated with intentional spicing.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 4 oz hot spiced apple cider*

  • 0.75 oz ginger honey syrup*

  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

  • Cinnamon stick for garnish

  • Lemon wheel for garnish

*Spiced Apple Cider:

  • 4 cups apple cider

  • 3 cinnamon sticks

  • 3 star anise pods

  • 5 whole cloves

  • 1 orange peel

  • Simmer 20 minutes, strain and keep hot

*Ginger Honey Syrup:

  • 1 cup raw honey

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/2 cup fresh ginger, chopped

  • Simmer 15 minutes, strain and bottle

Instructions

  1. Prepare spiced apple cider: Combine apple cider with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange peel in saucepan. Simmer 20 minutes, strain, and keep hot for service.

  2. Prepare ginger honey syrup: Combine honey, water, and chopped fresh ginger in saucepan. Simmer 15 minutes, strain through fine mesh, and bottle.

  3. Warm Irish coffee glass or mug with hot water, then discard water.

  4. Add bourbon to warmed glass.

  5. Add hot spiced cider.

  6. Add ginger honey syrup and fresh lemon juice.

  7. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

  8. Garnish with cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.

  9. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Spiced cider can be made ahead and kept warm in slow cooker for parties

  • Ginger honey syrup keeps refrigerated for up to 3 weeks

  • Maintain cider temperature around 180°F for optimal serving

  • Pre-warming glasses ensures cocktail stays hot longer

  • Fresh ginger essential for syrup - ground ginger won't provide same depth

  • Can batch cider for larger gatherings

Pairs well with: Fireside conversations, winter cheese boards, roasted nuts, or as a warming nightcap during long Sagittarius season evenings spent planning future adventures.

Bourbon, SagittariusEugene WilsonApple Cider, Ginger, Honey, Lemon, Cinnamon