The Metaxa Sunny Christmas is a Greek hot toddy you make in one pot in about 10 minutes, and it is such a joy to serve! Warm Metaxa 12 Stars, apple juice, cinnamon and ginger come together in a cup with honey and rose notes that make winter feel a whole lot sunnier.
Why Metaxa Makes a Wonderful Hot Toddy
Most hot toddies start with whisky, so this one is a happy surprise! Metaxa is a Greek spirit with a sweet, fruity character, and when it is gently warmed, its honey and rose aromas bloom beautifully. Families in Greece bring out a bottle of Metaxa for holidays and celebrations, which makes it a perfect fit for the season. No need to wait for summer to open yours!
What is Metaxa
New to Metaxa? Here is a quick tour, and my full Lush Guide to Metaxa has even more.
- Spyros Metaxa created Metaxa in 1888.
- Brandy is at its heart, but Metaxa is a category of its own, blending aged wine distillates with aged Muscat wine from the island of Samos and Mediterranean botanicals, all aged in oak.
- Metaxa 12 Stars is bottled at 40% ABV.
- It tastes of honey, almonds, and stone fruits like apricots, pears and peaches, with a gorgeous rose aroma.
What goes into a Metaxa Sunny Christmas!
The star is Metaxa 12 Stars, the most mature of the regular Metaxa range, so it brings extra depth and a honeyed fruitiness that makes this toddy wonderfully more-ish. Red apple juice adds gentle sweetness, while cinnamon sticks, fresh grated ginger, nutmeg and cloves bring the warmth. A few orange peels add a bright, citrusy lift. You will find all the amounts in the recipe card below.
The secret is patience. Warm everything slowly in one pot, never let it simmer, and keep it covered so the honey and rose notes stay front and center. Then serve with dried fruits, nuts and raisins for nibbling alongside.
What You Need to Make the Metaxa Sunny Christmas
You won’t be needing a cocktail shaker for this one! Grab a jigger, a barspoon, and toddy glasses for this recipe.
Where to find more Hot Toddy recipes
Hot toddies are a lovely way to warm up, and here are some of my favorites. If you would like the classic, my Hot Toddy is a great place to start.
- How to Make the Aberfeldy Golden Hot Toddy
- How to Make the Sing Gin Hot Toddy
- How to Make the Stambecco Hot Toddy
Planning a party? My Easy Christmas Cocktails roundup has plenty more festive ideas.
Plus More Metaxa recipes
Metaxa is a joy all year long, so here are more Metaxa drinks to try:
Metaxa Questions, Answered
Is Metaxa a brandy? Brandy is at the heart of Metaxa, and it is also so much more! It blends aged wine distillates with Muscat wine from Samos and Mediterranean botanicals, aged in oak, so it truly is in a category of its own.
Is Metaxa the same as ouzo? Not at all! Ouzo is flavored with anise, while Metaxa is sweet and fruity with honey and rose notes. Both are Greek, and both are wonderful, just in very different ways.
How do you drink Metaxa? Neat, over ice, in cocktails, or warmed up in a hot toddy like this one!
What do the stars on a Metaxa bottle mean? The stars refer to age. Metaxa 12 Stars is the most mature of the regular range, which makes it the richest and most complex of the bunch.
Why Lush Life Loves It
Metaxa reminds me of Greek summers, and warming it brings all that honey and rose sunshine to the coldest evenings. It is simple, it makes the whole kitchen smell wonderful, and it turns one pot on the stove into a party. I hope it becomes part of your holidays too!
Here is the recipe:
Metaxa Sunny Christmas
Equipment
- Metaxa 12 Star Brandy
Ingredients
- 40 cl Metaxa 12 Star
- 60 cl red apple juice
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 50 g grated ginger
- peels from 1 orange optional
- ½ Tsp nutmeg
- 5 small cloves
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients in a pot
- Slowly warm it, but don’t allow it to simmer
- Keep it covered
- Serve with dehydrated fruits, nuts and raisins.