“For a holiday breakfast treat, use Irish breakfast tea in the recipe and get that gift-opening morning a hot, smoky start.”
Warm Up the Vermont Way: Hot Toddy with Smoked Maple Syrup
When the temperature drops, Vermonters know how to stay warm — with a little smoke, a little maple, and a splash of something smooth, this Vermont-style Hot Toddy takes the classic cocktail and gives it a local twist: swapping honey for Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup, handcrafted in Chester, Vermont.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 tbsp Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup
- ¾ cup hot water
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- 1 lemon wheel or twist (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine the base: Pour whiskey and Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup into a heatproof mug.
- Add warmth: Top with hot water and lemon juice.
- Stir gently: Mix until the syrup fully dissolves.
- Adjust to taste: Add more syrup for sweetness or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Finish strong: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.
- Sip and enjoy: Take a moment — that’s Vermont warmth in every sip.
Pro Tip
Try it with rye whiskey for a spicier backbone or add a splash of apple cider for a softer, fruit-forward variation. For a non-alcoholic twist, replace the whiskey with black tea — the smoked maple still shines through.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with apple crisp or spiced nuts for a fireside snack.
- Serve as a welcome drink at holiday gatherings or winter dinners.
- Pour it into a thermos for a cozy après-ski moment.
Warm Up the Vermont Way: Hot Toddy with Smoked Maple Syrup
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 tbsp Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup
- ¾ cup hot water
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- 1 lemon wheel or twist (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine the base: Pour whiskey and Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup into a heatproof mug.
- Add warmth: Top with hot water and lemon juice.
- Stir gently: Mix until the syrup fully dissolves.
- Adjust to taste: Add more syrup for sweetness or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Finish strong: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.
- Sip and enjoy: Take a moment — that’s Vermont warmth in every sip.
Pro Tip
Try it with rye whiskey for a spicier backbone or add a splash of apple cider for a softer, fruit-forward variation. For a non-alcoholic twist, replace the whiskey with black tea — the smoked maple still shines through.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with apple crisp or spiced nuts for a fireside snack.
- Serve as a welcome drink at holiday gatherings or winter dinners.
- Pour it into a thermos for a cozy après-ski moment.








