Maple Citrus Hot Toddy

Many winter cocktails bring comfort, but the Maple Citrus Hot Toddy has a special way of warming you from the inside out. I first made it on a snowy evening when I wanted something soothing after a long day, and this simple mix of tea, maple syrup, spices, and bourbon felt like the perfect companion. The aroma alone made the whole kitchen smell like a blend of winter spice and fresh citrus.

This drink is worth trying if you love winter cocktails that feel both cozy and refreshing. The maple syrup adds gentle sweetness while the lemon and orange brighten the flavor, giving you a warm drink that does not taste heavy. The tea brings calm to the mix, making it a favorite holiday recipe for nights when all you want is something soothing to sip.

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Why You’ll Love This

This Maple Citrus Hot Toddy brings together warm spices, soothing tea, bright citrus, and sweet maple, making it a perfect choice for cold nights or cozy gatherings.

It has a simple preparation but delivers a layered flavor that feels comforting without being too sweet. This is the kind of drink that lets you slow down, relax, and enjoy the moment.

Here are a few reasons it stands out:

• Easy to customize with different teas or spirits
• Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find
• Smells amazing thanks to the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise
• A great option when you want a winter cocktail that is soothing
• Works well for holidays or quiet nights at home
• Offers natural warmth and citrus brightness in each sip

All of these features make it a great drink for cold weather. It brings together seasonal flavors in a way that feels both classic and refreshing.

Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the warm, comforting flavor of this Maple Citrus Hot Toddy. The tea forms the foundation, the maple syrup gives sweetness and richness, and the citrus adds brightness. The spices deepen the aroma and create that familiar winter feeling with each sip.

You will need:

• 1 tea bag black, herbal, or spiced tea preferred
• 1 oz bourbon or spiced rum
• 0.75 oz maple syrup or more for a sweeter drink
• 1 squeeze lemon juice
• 1 squeeze orange juice
• hot water enough to fill the mug
• 1 pc cinnamon stick
• 3 pcs cloves
• 1 pc star anise pod
• a slice lemon wheel, for garnish

The tea you choose can make the drink bolder or softer. Black tea adds depth, while herbal tea keeps things lighter. Bourbon gives warmth and complexity, while spiced rum adds sweetness and spice.

Maple syrup ties the flavors together and blends smoothly with the hot water. The spices release slowly, infusing the drink as you sip.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The spirit you choose will shape the final flavor of your Hot Toddy. Bourbon adds structure and a classic warmth, while spiced rum offers sweetness and softer spice. If certain ingredients are not available, there are easy substitutions that still keep the drink delicious.

Here are some great options:

• Maker’s Mark Bourbon for a smooth, approachable flavor
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon if you want something richer
• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum for a sweet, spice-forward version
• Kraken Spiced Rum if you like deeper spice notes
• Honey instead of maple syrup for a lighter sweetness
• Ginger tea as a substitute when you want extra heat

These choices allow you to tailor the drink to your mood. You can even mix bourbon and rum for a unique combination if you enjoy experimenting.

Equipment and Glassware

The Maple Citrus Hot Toddy does not require special equipment, which makes it perfect for last minute winter cocktail cravings. The most important item is a heat safe mug so you can pour in boiling water without worry. The rest of the tools are simple and commonly found in most kitchens.

Helpful items include:

• Bar Spoon
• Glass Mug
• Kettle or
• Small saucepan
• Small plate

A ceramic mug works especially well because it keeps the drink warm longer and feels comforting to hold.

How to Make It

This winter cocktail comes together quickly, and the steeping time helps bring out the flavors of both the tea and spices. The citrus brightens the warm base, while the maple syrup smooths everything out. This process is simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress anyone you serve it to.

Follow these steps:

1. Add the maple syrup, bourbon or rum, lemon and orange juice, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves to a mug or heat safe glass to build the flavor base.
2. Place the tea bag in the mug and fill it to the top with hot water, allowing the ingredients to steep for a couple of minutes.
3. Remove the tea bag and stir the drink thoroughly, making sure the maple syrup fully dissolves into the hot water.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel studded with whole cloves, which adds both aroma and a festive look.

If you like a stronger flavor, you can let the spices steep longer or add more citrus juice for brightness.

Pro Tips

These helpful tips will bring out even more flavor and warmth in your Maple Citrus Hot Toddy. Small adjustments can change the character of the drink, allowing you to build a version that feels just right for you. Whether you want it sweeter, bolder, or more citrus forward, these tips make it easy.

Try these suggestions:

• Warm your mug first by filling it with hot water so the drink holds heat longer
• Use high quality maple syrup for a richer flavor
• Steep the tea extra long if you want a stronger base
• Add fresh citrus juice rather than bottled for the best brightness
• Use a cinnamon stick as your stirrer to enhance the aroma
• Try a spiced tea blend for extra depth
• Experiment with different rums to find your favorite twist
• Taste before serving so you can adjust sweetness or citrus

This drink is very forgiving, so feel free to explore different combinations to match your mood and occasion.

Variations

The Maple Citrus Hot Toddy is easy to customize, and small changes can create completely different flavor experiences. Whether you want something spicier, sweeter, or non alcoholic, there is a variation that fits your needs. These options are great for holiday gatherings because you can make several versions for different preferences.

Try these ideas:

• Make a non alcoholic version with herbal tea and extra citrus
• Swap maple syrup for honey or brown sugar syrup for different sweetness
• Add sliced ginger for extra warmth
• Replace bourbon with rye for a spicier finish
• Use orange spice tea to highlight the citrus

Each variation keeps the comfort of the original while giving you room to play with flavors.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Maple Citrus Hot Toddy is perfect for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, and nights when you want something warm to sip. It works well after dinner, during movie nights, or while relaxing by the fireplace. Because the drink has both sweetness and citrus, it pairs nicely with many seasonal foods.

Here are some great pairing ideas:

• Gingerbread cookies
• Lemon pound cake
• Spiced nuts
• Cheese boards with honey and fruit
• Shortbread or cinnamon pastries

If you want more warm winter cocktail ideas, you might enjoy Hot Buttered Rum, Mulled Wine, or a classic Whiskey Toddy.

Storage and Serving Notes

Hot toddies taste best when served fresh because the heat and citrus are most vibrant right away. If you want to prep ahead, you can measure the maple syrup, spices, and citrus juice and keep them ready. Add hot water and tea only when you are about to serve. If you make a larger batch, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker set to low and add tea bags to each individual mug.

Since the tea and spices can become bitter when left too long, it is best to make only what you plan to enjoy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that come up when making this winter cocktail at home. These tips will help you get the best flavor and temperature each time.

Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, simply leave out the bourbon or rum and use a flavored or spiced tea to keep the drink interesting.

What tea works best?
Black tea adds depth, but herbal and spiced teas can offer a softer, more fragrant version.

Can I reheat leftovers?
You can warm it gently on the stove, but avoid boiling as it can affect the citrus and spices.

Is maple syrup required?
Maple syrup gives a unique flavor, but honey or brown sugar syrup can be used instead.

How sweet should it be?
Sweetness is personal, so feel free to add more or less maple syrup based on your preference.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy warm winter cocktails or soothing holiday recipes, here are a few more comforting drinks you might like. Each of these offers a different blend of spices, sweetness, or citrus to keep your cold nights a little cozier.

• Maple Ginger Hot Toddy: A simple, traditional version with honey and lemon.
• Mulled Wine: A warm spiced wine that is great for gatherings.
• Spiced Apple Cider Margarita: A fruity, warming drink perfect for fall and winter.
• Hot Buttered Rum: A rich option with creamy texture and sweet spice.
• Cranberry Ginger Paloma Pitcher: A bright and soothing drink for ginger lovers.