Hot Claus is a festive cocktail that captures the warmth and cheer of the holiday season in a single mug. Infused with spiced cranberry tea, citrus, and bold spirits like bourbon and Campari, this ruby-red drink is as flavorful as it is beautiful. Think of it as a grown-up twist on the classic hot toddy—only more colorful, aromatic, and full of winter magic. Whether you’re warming up after a snowy stroll or hosting a holiday gathering, this drink is guaranteed to spread cheer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy, warming drink perfect for cold nights
- Sweet, bitter, tart, and spicy all in one glass
- Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
- Gorgeous holiday color and aroma
- Can be made non-alcoholic or in batches for parties
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
- 2 oz water
- 1 bag Red Zinger tea (or hibiscus blend)
- 1½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz pure maple syrup
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- Optional: fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Simmer the base: In a small pot over medium heat, combine orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberry juice, and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Steep the tea: Add the Red Zinger tea bag and let steep for 4 minutes. Remove tea bag.
- Mix the cocktail: In a heatproof mug, combine bourbon, maple syrup, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Strain & stir: Slowly strain the hot tea mixture into the mug. Stir well to combine.
- Garnish & serve: Top with additional orange slices, cinnamon stick, and a star anise pod. Serve immediately.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 1
Nutrition Facts (estimated per serving)
- Calories: ~210
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Alcohol: ~1.5 oz spirits
- Note: For general reference only
Tips & Variations
- Make it non-alcoholic: Swap bourbon, Campari, and vermouth for apple cider or extra cranberry juice.
- Batch it: Multiply the ingredients and keep warm in a slow cooker or pot for parties.
- Bump the bourbon: Like it stronger? Add another ½ oz bourbon.
- Play with tea: Try other herbal teas like cranberry-apple or spiced rooibos.
- Add flair: Garnish with sugared cranberries, cloves, or a rosemary sprig.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Claus without alcohol?
Yes! Use a mix of cranberry juice and apple cider for a family-friendly version.
What if I don’t have Red Zinger tea?
Any hibiscus-based or fruity herbal tea will work—just avoid caffeine-heavy ones.
How do I make a big batch?
Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and prepare the tea base in a pot. Let everyone add their spirits individually if desired.
Can I prepare the spiced base ahead of time?
Absolutely. Brew the spiced tea base and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat and add alcohol before serving.
Hot Claus
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- – Tea strainer
- – Heatproof mug
- – Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- – 2 orange slices plus more for garnish
- – 2 cinnamon sticks 3-inch, plus more for garnish
- – 1 star anise pod plus more for garnish
- – 2 oz cranberry juice
- – 2 oz water
- – 1 Red Zinger tea bag or hibiscus herbal tea
- – 1½ oz bourbon
- – 1 oz pure maple syrup
- – ½ oz Campari
- – ½ oz sweet vermouth
- – Optional: fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberry juice, and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Add tea bag and steep for 4 minutes. Remove tea bag.
- In a heatproof mug, mix bourbon, maple syrup, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Strain tea into the mug and stir well.
- Garnish with orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise. Serve hot.
Notes
– For a stronger drink, increase bourbon to 2 oz.
– Batch-friendly for holiday parties.
Conclusion
Whether you’re curled up by the fire or throwing a festive party, the Hot Claus cocktail is your new seasonal favorite. With its spiced aroma, rich color, and smooth sips of bourbon and maple, it captures everything magical about winter nights. Easy to adapt and even easier to love—Hot Claus is your holiday spirit in a mug.