This chai hot toddy is one of my favorite ways to warm up when the weather is cold! This classic hot cocktail meets the warming spices of chai tea for a delicious sip that will warm you up, along with being soothing and comforting. It’s great for fall, winter, or honestly anytime!
What is a Chai Hot Toddy?
A chai hot toddy is a warm, spiced cocktail that combines the comforting flavors of chai tea with the soothing qualities of a traditional hot toddy.
It’s made with a blend of brewed masala chai tea (or chai concentrate) with whiskey, bourbon, or rum, plus honey and lemon juice, making it perfect for cold weather or as a cozy nightcap!
The bold, aromatic spices in chai—like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger—pair beautifully with the smooth warmth of the alcohol, creating a flavorful and comforting drink that will warm you up and soothe sore throats, too!
You can also customize your drink with variations, like adding vanilla, or using a splash of milk or cream for added richness!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 Tbsp honey (or to taste)
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 3 ounces chai concentrate
- 3 ounces hot water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of bourbon, you can use whiskey or your favorite spiced rum!
- Adjust the honey to taste (make sure to reduce it if you use a sweetened chai concentrate). You can also substitute maple syrup or simple syrup if preferred
- Lemon juice can also be swapped for orange or apple juice to create different flavor combos!
- For alternatives to the chai concentrate, you can use a chai tea bag (and use 6 ounces of water or apple juice instead of 3)
- Water can be substituted by apple juice or apple cider if you’d like!
- Add a splash of half and half or heavy cream to add creaminess, cool the drink, and make for a richer sip!
How to Make a Chai Hot Toddy
- Heat the water and chai concentrate. I microwave mine (1000W) for 1 ½ minutes, but you can use a kettle (electric or stovetop), or even simmer a pot on the stove if preferred. If using tea bags, you can add them here and let them steep (then discard)
- Pour the heated water and chai mixture into a heat-safe mug. Add the lemon juice, honey, vanilla, and bourbon, and stir until the honey dissolves
- Garnish with a slice of lemon, cinnamon stick, or star anise if you’d like (optional) and enjoy!
More Hot Toddies
- Crown Apple Hot Toddy
- Crown Salted Caramel Hot Toddy
Recipe FAQs
What Liquor To Use in a Hot Toddy?
Traditionally, whiskey is the most common liquor used in a hot toddy, providing warmth and depth of flavor. However, bourbon adds a touch of sweetness with caramel and vanilla notes, while rye whiskey gives a spicier kick, so choose your favorite.
Brandy is another great option, with a smoother, fruitier taste. You can also use rum for a richer, slightly molasses-like flavor, or even cognac for a twist. For a lighter alternative, spiced rum or apple brandy complement the warm spices in a chai hot toddy beautifully.
What’s The Difference Between A Hot Toddy And A Hot Whiskey?
A hot whiskey is essentially the Irish version of a hot toddy, made specifically with Irish whiskey, hot water, lemon, and sometimes cloves. A hot toddy usually also contains honey.
The key distinction lies in the name and spirit used—hot toddies can be made with various liquors, including bourbon, rum, or brandy, whereas hot whiskey always features Irish whiskey.
What Is The Best Whiskey For A Hot Toddy?
The best whiskey for a hot toddy depends on personal taste, but bourbon, Irish whiskey, rye whiskey, and Scotch whiskey are all great choices.
Ultimately, the best whiskey is one you enjoy drinking on its own, as the toddy will highlight its natural flavors.
Can A Hot Toddy Really Help A Cold?
While a hot toddy is not a cure for a cold, it can provide temporary relief for symptoms like congestion, sore throat, and chills. The warm liquid helps soothe the throat and loosen mucus, while honey can coat and ease irritation.
Lemon juice provides a dose of vitamin C, and whiskey (in moderation) can help promote relaxation and improve sleep. However, too much alcohol can dehydrate you, so it’s best to enjoy a hot toddy in moderation.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Chai Hot Toddy
- If you’re making the recipe with chai tea bags, discard them after steeping, before adding the other ingredients
- Make sure to reduce the amount of honey if your chai concentrate is sweetened (you can always add more but it’s hard to remove it once it’s in the drink). If your drink accidentally becomes too sweet, add more water, lemon juice, or a splash of cream to help dilute and balance it
- The alcohol flavor is prominent in a hot toddy, so make sure to choose one you like. If the flavor is too strong, adding cream or half and half can help cut the flavor!
Serving Tips
- Glassware. Any type of heat-safe mug (like a coffee mug) is a great choice for a hot toddy! Something with a handle or that is insulated is ideal, so you don’t burn your hand holding it. If you plan to use the microwave to heat your water, make sure the mug is also microwave-safe!
- Garnishes are entirely optional, but can make for a nice presentation! A cinnamon stick, piece of star anise, and/or a slice of lemon are all great choices if you choose to add a garnish. You can also do an orange slice or an apple slice if you’ve changed up the ingredients to coordinate
Final Thoughts
This easy chai hot toddy is the perfect spiced twist on a classic cocktail! With warm bourbon, honey, vanilla, and chai-infused black tea, it’s sure to warm you up on those cool fall and winter nights.
While it can’t cure your cold symptoms, it can help soothe a sore throat and make you feel a little better. Of course, you don’t have to be sick to enjoy this warming drink – the wintery spices and smooth whiskey are perfect for warming up and relaxing anytime!
Katie’s tip
For more great spiced beverages perfect for those cold winter months, check out all of my delicious Chai Cocktails for more recipe inspiration!
Easy Chai Hot Toddy Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 Tbsp honey (or to taste)
- ½ ounce lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 3 ounces chai concentrate
- 3 ounces water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the water and chai concentrate for about 1 ½ minutes in the microwave on high, in a kettle, or in a saucepan on the stove. If using tea bags, you can add them here and let them steep (then discard)3 ounces water, 3 ounces chai concentrate
- Pour the heated water and chai mixture into a heat-safe mug. Add the remaining ingredients, and stir until the honey dissolves2 ounces bourbon, 1 Tbsp honey, ½ ounce lemon juice, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Garnish if desired (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of bourbon, you can use whiskey or spiced rum. The alcohol flavor is strong in a hot toddy; use something you like
- Adjust the honey to taste (reduce amount if you use a sweetened chai concentrate). You can also substitute maple syrup or simple syrup
- Lemon juice can be swapped for orange or apple juice
- For alternatives to the chai concentrate, you can use a chai tea bag (and use 6 ounces of water or apple juice instead of 3). Discard the tea bags before adding the other ingredients
- Water can be substituted by apple juice or apple cider
- Add a splash of half and half or heavy cream to add creaminess, or to cool/dilute the drink
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps, additions, or garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
