Mahj Munchies: Apple Brandy Hot Toddy

Since winter has settled in and temperatures are low, there is nothing more satisfying than a warm drink, good company, and the click of mahjong tiles. This week’s Mahj Munchies recipe is a cozy classic with a seasonal twist: the Apple Brandy Hot Toddy, adapted from Food & Wine.

A traditional hot toddy is already a cold-weather favorite, but swapping in apple brandy adds a subtle orchard sweetness that feels tailor-made for crisp winter evenings. Honey brings gentle richness, lemon brightens every sip, and cinnamon adds that familiar, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with both mahjong and the season.

Why We Love This Recipe for Mahjong Gatherings

This recipe is perfect for:

• Winter open play events
• At-home mahjong nights
• Après-mahj gatherings with friends
• Cold evenings when you want something warm but elegant

It’s quick to prepare, easy to batch for a group, and festive enough to feel special without requiring complicated ingredients. Garnished with cinnamon sticks and citrus peel, the Apple Brandy Hot Toddy also looks lovely on a styled mahjong table.

A Cozy Pairing for Winter Mahjong

Mahjong is about connection, conversation, and creating moments together, and warm drinks like this amplify that experience. Picture it: tiles shuffled, laughter around the table, and steam rising from a mug of apple-kissed toddy while the winter wind whips outside.

Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or just looking for a comforting seasonal sip, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your mahjong ritual.

Recipe Card

Apple Brandy Hot Toddy

A warm, citrusy winter cocktail made with apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, honey, and cozy spices. This elevated take on the classic hot toddy delivers comforting sweetness, bright acidity, and aromatic cinnamon in every sip. Perfect for cold nights, mahjong gatherings, and festive entertaining, it’s an easy yet elegant drink that brings warmth to both hands and hearts.

Author: Amanda Stevenson Cooking Method: Stovetop Courses: Cocktails

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups water
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons honey
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups apple brandy, preferably Calvados
• 8 cinnamon sticks (3-inch)

Instructions

1. In small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey until dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice and apple brandy.
2. Set a cinnamon stick in each of 8 mugs or heatproof glasses, pour in the hot liquid and serve.

Note

Adapted from Food & Wine’s Apple Brandy Hot Toddy recipe

Keywords: apple, brandy, cocktail, hot toddy, winter

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