Hot Claus
This festive cocktail blends the warmth of bourbon and spices with the tang of cranberry and the depth of Campari. Cozy, balanced, and beautifully red.
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
- Make it non-alcoholic with cranberry and apple juice.
- For a stronger drink, increase bourbon to 2 oz.
- Batch-friendly for holiday parties.
- For a stronger drink, increase bourbon to 2 oz.
- Batch-friendly for holiday parties.