Autumn HUGS with spiced apple & chili infused bourbon Hot Toddies!

We used LidAdapt to infuse our favorite Freeland Spirits bourbon with apples, warming spices, vanilla and ginger, then crafted a spicy chili pear syrup to make our most comforting Hot Toddy recipe.

Watch recipe video

Step 1: Spiced Apple Infuse Bourbon

JAR SIZE: 64 oz

INFUSION TIME: 2 days 

INGREDIENTS:

• 750 ml bourbon (we used Freeland Spirits) 
• 6 apples peeled & sliced (we had some lovely McIntosh apples)
• 1 TB cloves
• 1 tsp nutmeg freshly grated
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean (sliced down middle)
• 1/3 cup peeled sliced ginger 
• zest of 1 lemon

TECHNIQUE:

1. Peel/slice apples and ginger. Place apples, ginger, lemon zest, vanilla bean, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks into jar.  
2. Pour in bourbon.  
3. Apply LidAdapt, screw on metal band, insert stopper and pump to pull vacuum seal.  For best results vacuum pulse by releasing stopper valve, gently swirling bourbon in jar and reseal a few times.  Place jar in cool, dark place.
4. After desired infusion time (2-4 days ideal), strain bourbon through mesh sieve into mason jar and store using LidAdapt or user your favorite liquor pour spout. 

Step 2: Pear Chili Simple Syrup

JAR SIZE: 16 oz 

COOK TIME: 30-45 minutes

INFUSION TIME: 30 minutes (for less heat, omit this step)

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 pears peeled & sliced
• 1 TB cloves
• 1 tsp nutmeg freshly grated
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• zest of 1 lemon
• dried arbol chilis (up to you, we used 3)
• 3/4 c local honey
• water (2 cups to start, then add more as syrup cooks down)

 
TECHNIQUE:

1. Peel/slice pears. Place pears, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest, honey and water into saucepan.  Cook over medium heat 30-45 minutes adding more water as syrup cooks down.
2. Strain syrup through mesh sieve into bowl and then pour syrup back into saucepan.  Add 3 dried arbol chilis into saucepan and heat on medium for 15 minutes.
3. Syrup is ready to use now or if you want more SPICE, pour syrup with chilis into mason jar and use your LidAdapt to infuse for additional flavor.  Apply LidAdapt, screw on metal band, insert stopper and pump to pull vacuum seal.  Infuse 15-30 minutes.  
4. Remove stopper, insert liquor pour spout and ready to pour!

Step 3: Mix cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz spiced apple infused bourbon
• 1-2 TB pear chili syrup
• 4-6 oz hot water
• lemon slice studded with cloves
• cinnamon stick

TECHNIQUE:

1. Pour bourbon and syrup into glass
2. Top with hot water 
3. Garnish with lemon and cinnamon stick