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Epicurious

Chai-Spiced Hot Toddy

By Kat Boytsova

3.8

(4)

photo of two hands holding a Chai hot toddy with cinnamon stick and orange zest garnish
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova

For centuries, people have been using hot toddies as a natural remedy for common ailments. Adding warming spices like fiery black pepper, revitalizing cinnamon, and cleansing cardamom make for a cheering drink that can also cure the winter blues.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    35 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 6 cocktails

Ingredients

2 teaspoons cardamom pods, crushed (about 20 pods)
2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
11 (3") cinnamon sticks, divided
1 (2") piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
2 medium oranges
6 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons whole leaf black tea or 3 bags black tea
9 ounces dark rum

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast cardamom, coriander, peppercorns, and 5 cinnamon sticks in a large pot over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ginger and 8 cups water.

    Step 2

    Using a peeler, peel orange zest into long strips about 3" each. Reserve 6 pieces for garnish, then add remaining zest to pot.

    Step 3

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in honey and tea. Let steep 5 minutes.

    Step 4

    Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pot. Divide among mugs and top off with rum. Garnish with reserved orange peels and cinnamon sticks.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 5

    Tea mixture, without rum, can be made 1 week ahead; cover and chill.

TagsHot DrinkBeveragesCocktailAlcoholRumCinnamonHerbs & SpicesGingerGluten FreeDairy FreeEasyMake AheadSimmerEpicurious

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