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Chai-Spiced Hot Toddy

Course Drinks
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 3 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 4 –5 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 1 small strip of lemon peel
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons honey or to taste
  • 3 ounces whiskey or bourbon optional, divided between the two mugs
  • 2 lemon slices for garnish
  • Extra cinnamon sticks or star anise for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add the water, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom, cloves, ginger, and lemon peel to a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. This allows the spices to release their fragrance and gives the drink a rich, chai-like flavor.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Let the tea steep for 3–4 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Avoid steeping it for too long, as black tea can develop a bitter taste.
  3. Strain the tea into a heatproof jug or directly into your mugs, removing the spices and tea leaves. Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice while the liquid is still hot. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed.
  4. If you're making the alcoholic version, pour 1½ ounces of whiskey or bourbon into each mug. Add the hot spiced tea and stir gently to combine. For a nonalcoholic version, simply leave out the whiskey.
  5. Finish each mug with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired. Serve immediately while warm, taking care not to drink it while it's too hot.