This Chai Hot Toddy is everything I want on a chilly night—warm, cozy, lightly spiced, and just strong enough to take the edge off.
It’s got the soul-soothing taste of chai tea, a little kick from whiskey, and that honey-lemon combo that always hits the spot.
I make this when I want something comforting and grown-up but still super easy.
You don’t need to be a fancy mixologist to whip this up. It’s as simple as steep, stir, and sip.
What You’ll Need
- 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tbsp loose leaf chai in a strainer)
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 1 ½ oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work great)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
- 1 thin lemon slice (optional garnish)
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink brings back memories of late-night chats with friends, wrapped in blankets, and hands around warm mugs. It’s simple, but it feels like a treat.
- The chai gives it a cozy, spicy backbone
- The lemon and honey are soothing and fresh
- The whiskey adds a warming buzz
- No fancy gear or techniques needed—just steep, stir, sip
- It feels like a warm hug in a glass
Servings & Cook Time
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Macros (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sugar: 16g
- Alcohol: ~14g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The heat from the boiling water helps extract the aromatic oils and spices from the chai tea. The lemon juice cuts through the richness with acid, balancing the honey’s sweetness. Whiskey adds depth and warmth thanks to its oak aging, and it blends smoothly with the warm tea. The cinnamon garnish adds a hit of aroma without needing to steep long.
Common Mistakes
- Over-steeping the tea: Makes it bitter. Keep it to 4–5 minutes max.
- Not mixing enough: Stir the honey really well—it can sink to the bottom.
- Too much lemon: A little goes a long way; more can overpower the spices.
- Wrong whiskey: Super peaty or smoky whiskeys don’t pair well with chai.
What to Serve With
- Ginger cookies or shortbread
- A slice of lemon loaf
- Spiced nuts
- Warm buttered toast
FAQ
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes! Just skip the whiskey and add more hot water or a splash of apple juice for body.
Can I use a chai concentrate?
You can, but skip the honey unless your concentrate is unsweetened.
What whiskey should I use?
Bourbon is smooth and slightly sweet. Rye gives a spicier kick. Both work well!
Can I make this in a batch?
Yes, just scale up all ingredients and steep the tea in a teapot.
Tools You’ll Need
- Kettle or pot to boil water
- Mug
- Spoon
- Teaspoon & tablespoon
- Knife and cutting board (for lemon)
Substitutions and Variations
- Whiskey: Try dark rum or brandy
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave
- Lemon: Orange juice gives a different citrus twist
- Chai Tea: Use decaf chai if avoiding caffeine
Make-Ahead Tips
You can pre-steep the chai tea and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just reheat and mix in the rest.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil Water
Bring ¾ cup water to a boil using a kettle or saucepan.
Step 2: Steep Chai
Place 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tbsp loose leaf in a strainer) in a mug. Pour the hot water over it. Let steep for 4–5 minutes. Then remove the tea bag or strainer.
Step 3: Add Honey
Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the hot tea. Stir well until fully dissolved.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the tea. Stir again.
Step 5: Add Whiskey
Pour in 1 ½ oz of whiskey and give it one last stir.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with 1 cinnamon stick and a thin lemon slice if you like. Sip warm.
Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best fresh, but you can store the spiced tea (before adding whiskey) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and add whiskey before serving.
Wrap-Up
This Chai Hot Toddy is a quick fix for chilly nights, long days, or just when you want something warm and relaxing. It’s cozy, spiced, sweet, and soothing—all in one mug. Try it tonight and let me know how it went in the comments or if you have any questions!
