Skip to main content

We’ll be making this warm, spicy whiskey cocktail to sip by the fireside

Whiskey and apple cider, warmed with spices? Sign me up

By Georgina Torbet Jan 28, 2025 9:00 AM

Hot Toady — Mitchell Kim @thecocktailsuite

Deep, dark winter is warm cocktail time, whether you’re enjoying a traditional Hot Toddy or exploring the underrated world of hot gin drinks. And one ingredient which I think deserves more love in the cocktail world is apple cider, which is delicious when cold and soothing and cozy when warm.

There’s a new recipe from Irish whiskey brand Natterjack which makes use of either the Natterjack Cask Strength release, or an alternative limited edition called The Mistake. The Mistake is a fun release, being a heavily oaked expression which was created by a happy accident when a whiskey was left for longer than intended in oak casks, giving it strong flavors of vanilla, anise, and oak that make it perfect for a bold warm cocktail.

Recommended Videos

The recipe uses one of these two whiskies along with apple cider, all warmed with spices including cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. That combination recalls mulled wine, but this is rather a mulled apple cider concoction which sounds unusual and frankly delicious, especially for this time of year.

Toad & Spice & Everything Nice

Mitchell Kim @thecocktailsuite

By Mitchell Kim @thecocktailsuite

Ingredients:

1 – 2oz. Natterjack Cask Strength (or The Mistake)
1 liter Apple Cider
2 Cinnamon Sticks
4 Star Anise
10 whole cloves

Method:

Add 1 liter apple cider, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 star anise, 10 whole cloves to a stock pot. Heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
Add 1 oz. to 2 oz. of heated cider to a mug, then add 1 oz. to 2 oz. of Natterjack Cask Strength to taste.
Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and a fresh star anise

Georgina has been the space writer at Digital Trends space writer for six years, covering human space exploration, planetary… Read Full Bio

Old Forester adds to its popular 117 whiskey series with Triple Char

Old Forester

I get excited any time Old Forester releases a new whiskey. So, I was pretty stoked when I heard that the renowned Kentucky-based brand recently announced a new limited-edition expression to be added to its award-winning portfolio. It’s called Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and it’s also the newest addition to its popular 117 Series.

Old Forester Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bulleit is releasing its first expression featuring both bourbon and rye whiskeys

Bulleit ‘87

Whiskey drinkers know about the appeal of both Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye Whiskey. These two expressions have a permanent spot on home bars from Toledo to Tucson. But recently, the renowned brand announced that drinkers will no longer have to purchase two bottles to enjoy these two types of whiskey. That’s because Bulleit is launching its first expression that features both bourbon and rye whiskeys.

Bulleit ‘87

Porter Road brings elevated Nashville BBQ flavor home with new pulled pork

Porter Road

When spending the day with your smoker isn’t an option, Porter Road still has us covered. This popular meat brand just dropped a new, ready-to-eat, fully cooked pulled pork bringing classic Nashville BBQ flavor to your home. Made with pasture-raised pork and perfectly seasoned with a signature blend before being slowly smoked over hickory – all you need to do is heat and serve to enjoy classic BBQ at your home (even on the busiest of days). Whether enjoyed on it’s own, piled high on a brioche bun, spooned into taco shells on a Tuesday or atop a massive plate of nachos, there’s endless ways to enjoy this savory new pulled pork.

Available now direct from Porter Road, each 1 lb, frozen package is priced at $22. Each package of frozen pulled pork is seasoned with a spice blend that includes smoked salt, black pepper, white pepper, brown sugar, onion powder, sweep paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, chili powder, and dried bay leaf. To enjoy, after thawing pork in the fridge, bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the sealed package of pork in the water bath. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Remove from the water, open the package and empty into a bowl. Fluff the pork with a fork and enjoy.