This Orange Hot Toddy is a cozy, low-alcohol twist on the classic winter cocktail. Made with brûléed oranges, soothing chamomile tea and amaro, it comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, winter parties, or any cold evening that calls for something special.

If you love a hot toddy, you’ll also want to try my Apple Cider Hot Toddy and Blustery Blood Orange Toddy.

Brûléed orange hot toddy with amaro in a clear glass mug, garnished with chamomile flowers and a caramelized orange slice on a wooden board.

Quick Look: Brûléed Orange Hot Toddy

  • ⏱  Ready in: 10 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 1
  • 🍊 Flavor Profile: Citrus, caramelized, bittersweet
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy – perfect for chilly nights and holiday entertaining

SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON

ChatGPT
Google AI
Perplexity
Grok

This Brûléed Orange Hot Toddy is part of my Barely Buzzed series, where I share mocktails and low-ABV cocktails that are pretty and delicious. If you enjoy flavorful drinks without a heavy buzz, you’ll also love my Creamy Limoncello Cocktail and Creamy Blood Orange Mocktail.

This amaro hot toddy has a unique twist. Brûléed oranges and bittersweet amaro add rich depth to the classic recipe. The caramelized sugar from brûléeing orange adds a really unique flavor to the drink that balances the bitterness of the amaro so well. I used Amaro Nonino but I also think a richer amaro like Amaro Lucano would also be really beautiful in this.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Warm and cozy: This Amaro Hot Toddy is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving or any winter occasion. 
  • Low-ABV but full of flavor: A cozy cocktail without a heavy buzz.
  • Simple yet impressive: Easy to make, but looks elegant and special.
  • Brûléed orange: Caramelizing the orange adds incredible depth.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • Orange: You’ll need fresh oranges for this recipe. Blood orange or regular are both great. 
  • Sugar: Granulated or turbinado will work.
  • Honey: Make sure to use 100% pure honey.
  • Lemon juice: I recommend freshly squeezed.
  • Tea: I use chamomile tea in this recipe and love how it turned out.
  • Amaro: I used Amaro Nonino, which I also love in a Paper Plane Cocktail.
Hands holding a warm glass mug of brûléed orange hot toddy with amaro, topped with chamomile flowers and a charred citrus slice.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Citrus swap: Swap oranges for tangerines or even grapefruit. Modify sweetness to your liking. 
  • Alternative sweeteners: Swap honey for sugar, maple syrup or agave. 
  • Tea: Try black tea, herbal tea or your tea of choice.
  • Lower sugar version: Use monk fruit sweetener or alternative sweetener.
  • Spiced version: Add a cinnamon stick or whole spices.
  • Alcohol swap: Swap amaro for bourbon or rum. 
  • Mocktail version: Eliminate the amaro and add a few dashes of bitters.

How to Make a Brûléed Orange Hot Toddy

Step 1: Brûlée oranges – Slice half of an orange into rounds and keep the other half whole. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the cut surface of the orange and the slices. Use a kitchen torch to heat the sugar until it bubbles and turns golden brown.

Step 2: Make juice – Juice the whole caramelized orange and reserve the slices for garnish.

Step 3: Prepare tea – Brew a cup of chamomile tea in a warmed mug. Steep for about 3 minutes, then remove the tea bag. 

👩🏻‍🍳Pro Tip: Warming your mug is not necessary but will ensure your drink is hot. To warm your mug, fill it with hot water and pour it out before making your drink.

Step 4: Make the cocktail – Add the brûléed orange juice, lemon juice, honey and amaro to the tea and stir until the honey has dissolved. Garnish with a brûléed orange slice and chamomile flowers if desired.

Watch How to Make this Recipe

Carolyn’s Tips

  • Move torch constantly: Hold the blow torch 2-4 inches from the sugar and move it in a circular motion until the sugar is completely melted, bubbling and golden brown.
  • Juicing the orange: When juicing, allow bits of the caramelized sugar to mix with the juice.
  • Warm your mug: Fill it with hot water and pour it out before making your drink.
  • Make it a mocktail: Eliminate the amaro and optionally add a few dashes of citrus or aromatic bitters.

Orange Hot Toddy FAQs

Can I brûlée sugar without a torch?

Yes, you can use a broiler to brûlée your sugar. Place the sugared oranges on a baking sheet on the top rack of the oven. Broil, watching carefully until the sugar is bubbling and brown. 

Can I make this Orange Hot Toddy ahead of time?

You can prepare the brûléed orange juice up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. For the best flavor and warmth, brew the tea and assemble the drink right before serving.

What is the best amaro to use in a hot toddy?

I recommend Amaro Nonino for its balanced, lightly sweet flavor. Richer amaros like Amaro Lucano or Montenegro also work beautifully and will give a deeper, bitter taste.

More Winter Citrus Drinks to Try

⭐ If you loved this recipe, I would SO appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review below. Also, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @thesocialsipper! 

Brûléed orange hot toddy with amaro in a clear glass mug, garnished with chamomile flowers and a caramelized orange slice on a wooden board.
5 stars (1 review)

Brûléed Orange Hot Toddy with Amaro (Low-Alcohol Hot Cocktail)

Servings: 1
Prep: 10 minutes
This Orange Hot Toddy is a cozy, low-alcohol twist on the classic winter cocktail. Made with brûléed oranges, soothing chamomile tea and amaro, it comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, winter parties, or any cold evening that calls for something special.
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients
 

Brûléed Orange Juice

  • 1 orange
  • Sugar

Cocktail

  • 1 oz brûléed orange juice
  • ½-1 tbsp honey, I used 1 tbsp
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 1 chamomile tea bag
  • ¾ cup hot water
  • ¾ oz amaro, I used Amaro Nonino
  • Chamomile, for garnish

Equipment

  • Culinary torch
  • Sheet pan
  • Heatproof mug
  • Kettle

Instructions
 

Brûléed Orange Juice

  • Slice half of an orange into rounds and keep the other half whole. Spread onto a baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle an even layer of sugar over the cut surface of the halved orange and over the orange rounds. Using a culinary torch or broiler, heat the sugar until it melts, bubbles, and turns a deep amber color. Let the orange sit for a few minutes for the caramelization to harden.
  • Juice the brûléed orange half and reserve the slices for garnish.

Cocktail

  • Heat water on the stovetop or with an electric kettle.
  • To a warmed mug (see note) – Add the tea bag and hot water. Steep for 3 minutes or according to the tea’s recommended brewing time. Remove the tea bag.
  • Add brûléed orange juice, lemon juice, honey and amaro. Stir to combine and dissolve honey.
  • If desired, garnish with a brûléed orange slice and chamomile flowers.

Notes

  • Amaro vary in bitterness and sweetness, so sweeten with honey accordingly.
  • Warming your mug is not necessary but will ensure your drink is hot. To warm your mug, fill with hot water and pour out before making your drink.
  • To brulee with a broiler, broil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the sugar melts completely and caramelizes.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!