When winter rolls around, it’s time to trade in those ice-cold margaritas for something a little cozier—but that doesn’t mean tequila has to go into hibernation.
Enter the Tequila Chai Hot Toddy, a warm, spiced cocktail that feels like a hug in a mug.
This drink combines the earthy kick of tequila with the fragrant spices of chai tea, topped with a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon for a delightful balance of flavors. It’s perfect for chilly nights, festive gatherings, or even as a post-snowstorm treat to defrost your soul.
Think of it as the sweater-weather cousin to your favorite tequila cocktail—sophisticated, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ oz tequila reposado
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 tsp honey (or more to taste)
- 1 chai tea bag
- ¾ cup hot water
- Optional garnishes: A cinnamon stick, star anise, or a lemon slice
Ingredient Breakdown
Tequila Reposado: This is where the magic begins. Reposado tequila, aged in oak barrels, has subtle vanilla and caramel notes that complement chai’s spices beautifully. Don’t skimp here—cheap tequila will overpower the drink. Aim for a smooth, mid-range brand like Casamigos or Espolòn.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty, and essential. The acidity cuts through the richness of the spices and balances the sweetness from the honey. Always opt for fresh lemons over bottled juice for the best flavor.
Honey: Sweet, floral, and soothing. Honey gives this toddy a natural sweetness and helps your throat feel like it’s getting a spa treatment. Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your drinks.
Chai Tea Bag: The heart of the recipe! Chai tea is packed with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, creating a warm and aromatic base. Any good-quality chai tea bag will do, but if you have loose-leaf chai, even better!
Hot Water: The simplest ingredient, but make sure it’s freshly boiled for maximum heat. This will extract all those lovely flavors from the tea and blend everything together perfectly.
Garnishes: Optional, but highly recommended. A cinnamon stick adds visual flair and an extra hint of spice, while a slice of lemon or a star anise pod elevates the presentation.
How to Make a Tequila Chai Hot Toddy
This recipe is straightforward and foolproof, so even if you’re new to making cocktails, you’ve got this.
Let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: Brew the Chai Tea
Start by boiling water, about ¾ cup, and pouring it into your favorite heatproof mug. Add the chai tea bag and let it steep for 4-5 minutes. For stronger chai flavor, you can steep it a minute longer or use two tea bags, but don’t overdo it, as too much steeping can make the tea bitter.
Pro Tip: Pre-warm your mug by rinsing it with hot water before brewing the tea. This keeps your toddy hot for longer.
Step 2: Add the Sweetener
Remove the tea bag and stir in the honey. The hot tea will help it dissolve easily, giving the drink a silky-smooth texture. If you’re vegan, you can swap honey for agave syrup—it pairs just as well with the tequila.
Step 3: Introduce the Lemon
Squeeze in half a lemon, or about ½ oz of juice. A quick tip for juicing: roll the lemon on the counter with your palm before cutting it to make it extra juicy. Stir it into the tea until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour in the Tequila
Now for the star ingredient: tequila! Measure out 1 ½ oz and pour it into your mug. Give everything a good stir so the flavors can mingle. At this point, you might notice the warm, earthy aroma of the chai mingling with the tequila’s smoky sweetness—it’s heavenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Time to fancy it up! Add your garnish of choice—a cinnamon stick, a slice of lemon, or even a star anise. These garnishes don’t just look pretty; they add an extra layer of flavor to every sip.
Optional Twist: Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for a subtle citrusy depth, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Tips for the Perfect Tequila Chai Hot Toddy
- Choose the Right Tequila: Reposado tequila works best for this recipe, as its smoothness and aged flavors balance the spices of the chai. Silver tequila is too sharp, while añejo might be too overpowering.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Not all teas are created equal—some chai blends might need a touch more honey or less lemon to find the perfect balance. Taste as you go!
- Serve Immediately: The magic of a hot toddy lies in its warmth. Sip it while it’s still hot to fully enjoy its comforting qualities.
Tequila Chai Hot Toddy Recipe
Tequila Chai Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz reposado tequila
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1 tsp honey or more to taste
- 1 chai tea bag
- ¾ cup hot water
- Cinnamon stick star anise, lemon slice (optional garnishes)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil and pour ¾ cup into a heatproof mug.
- Add the chai tea bag and let it steep for 4-5 minutes for a fragrant, spiced base. Remove the tea bag.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey (or more to taste) until fully dissolved. If using agave syrup as a substitute, adjust the quantity to suit your sweetness preference.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon (about ½ oz) into the mug. Stir well to combine with the tea and honey.
- Measure 1 ½ oz of reposado tequila and pour it into the mug. Stir gently to blend the flavors together.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a slice of lemon for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while hot.
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!