Hot Claus is the winter cocktail you didn’t know you needed. A spirited take on the traditional hot toddy, this deep crimson drink is brimming with holiday flavor. It blends cranberry juice, hibiscus tea, maple syrup, warming spices, and a boozy mix of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The result? A cozy, bittersweet sipper that’s just as perfect by the fireplace as it is at your next festive gathering.
Whether you enjoy it in a mug with a cinnamon stick or batch it for a holiday party, the Hot Claus is guaranteed to bring a blush to your cheeks — just like Santa.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🔥 Served hot and full of warm winter spices
- 🍊 Made with real cranberry juice, citrus, and hibiscus tea
- 🥃 Balanced with bourbon, Campari & sweet vermouth
- 🎄 Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in
- 🍷 Easily made non-alcoholic with simple swaps
Ingredients
- 2 slices orange, plus more for garnish
- 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 1 star anise pod, plus more for garnish
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 Red Zinger (hibiscus) tea bag
- 1½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz pure maple syrup
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- Optional: fresh cranberries, for garnish
- 2 oz water
Instructions
- Simmer the spiced base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberry juice, and water. Bring to a gentle boil. - Steep the tea
Remove the pot from heat and add the Red Zinger tea bag. Cover and steep for 4 minutes. - Mix the cocktail
In a heatproof mug or glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, Campari, and sweet vermouth. - Strain and combine
Slowly strain the spiced tea infusion into the mug. Stir well to combine all the flavors. - Garnish and serve
Top with extra orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise pod. Optional: add a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Served: Hot
Tips & Variations
- 🎉 Make a batch: Multiply all ingredients by the number of guests and keep warm in a slow cooker or pot. Serve straight from the stove or ladle into mugs.
- 🍎 Non-alcoholic version: Swap the bourbon, Campari, and vermouth for apple juice and extra cranberry juice. Add a splash of orange juice or pomegranate juice for depth.
- 🌿 Make it herbal: Sub in other seasonal teas like cinnamon apple spice or ginger for a different twist.
- 💪 Stronger version: Add an extra ½ oz of bourbon if you’re in the holiday spirit.
FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
You can prep the tea base in advance and reheat when ready. Add the alcohol just before serving to preserve the flavor.
What if I don’t have Red Zinger tea?
Any hibiscus-based or fruity herbal tea will work. Look for blends with cranberry, citrus, or rosehip for similar flavor.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes — honey will be slightly floral and sweeter. Use slightly less if you prefer it less sweet.
What food pairs well with Hot Claus?
Try holiday cookies, spiced nuts, or savory bites like mini brie toasts or fig jam crostini.
Hot Claus Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small pot, combine orange, cinnamon, star anise, cranberry juice, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat. Add tea bag and steep for 4 minutes.
- In a mug, combine bourbon, maple syrup, Campari, and vermouth.
- Strain spiced tea into mug and stir.
- Garnish with extra orange, cinnamon, star anise, and cranberries.
Notes
– Batch for parties by scaling up and serving from a slow cooker.
Conclusion
This Hot Claus cocktail is your new go-to for cozy winter evenings, festive gatherings, and everything in between. Its blend of tart cranberry, warm spice, and bitter-sweet spirits makes it complex yet approachable — like a hug in a mug. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or winding down solo, this drink brings holiday cheer in every sip.