Name: Rum Chai Hot Toddy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients: For the Buttered Popcorn Syrup; 2 cups freshly popped popcorn (unsalted); 1 cup water; 1 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 6 ounces water; 1 chai tea bag; 1 ½ ounces dark rum; ½ ounces Amontillado sherry; ¼ ounces orange liqueur; 1 ounces buttered popcorn syrup; 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters; ¼ ounces lemon juice; Cinnamon stick and lemon twist

Drinks

Rum Chai Hot Toddy

Author: Mary DiSomma

If you know me, you know I love a good cocktail. Chai already feels like a cozy hug with its fragrant spices, and this hot toddy recipe (made with rum!) is comfort in a mug. Mix freshly brewed chai with rum, orange liqueur, lemon, and a little sparkling buttered popcorn syrup, and you’ve got a festive winter cocktail perfect for sipping on a cold day. Doesn’t a warm rum drink sound like the perfect holiday beverage? I certainly think so!

And just for the record, you don’t have to reserve hot toddies for the holidays. This boozy tea is delicious any time winter rolls around. If you don’t have popcorn syrup on hand, that’s okay too—just make a quick batch (recipe and directions included below) and save the leftovers for next time!

Ingredient Tips

A hot toddy is a warm mixed drink traditionally made with a spirit (usually whiskey), hot water, citrus, and a touch of sweetener. They often include tea, too (usually plain black tea). Seasonal cocktails like this one are great for cold weather. The warmth and spicy aromas are so soothing and comforting. Some people even reach for a hot toddy when they’re feeling under the weather. Personally, I make them because they’re so delicious!

This hot toddy is a rum drink. Typically hot toddies are made with whiskey or bourbon. I love those versions—but for this recipe, dark rum pairs best with chai spice and citrus. You’ll get rich molasses and spice notes that really elevate the drink… and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the buttered popcorn syrup!

Well, that’s a resounding “yes” from me! I think tea is the secret ingredient in a good hot toddy. I recommend you make this recipe using chai because, like I said before, its warm spices complement the rum and citrus so well. If you don’t have chai on hand, you could also use black tea. The main idea is to have a strong, warm tea base to carry the spirits and spices.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

Yes! You can keep leftover buttered popcorn syrup in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just bring it to room temperature first. Here’s how: Immerse the bottle in hot water to melt any fat that has solidified on top, then shake well before using. This syrup is a truly delightful and fun ingredient. You can drizzle it over pancakes, stir it into coffee or lattes, or spoon it over a helping of bacon. Feel free to experiment, too! I bet it would be yummy in other cocktails for a sweet, nutty note.

Extra Tips

If you ask me, the best thing to pair with a hot toddy is a warm, cozy snack. Think spiced cookies, caramel corn, and baked brie with fruits. It also pairs nicely with desserts like my chai-spiced streusel apple pie or a slice of my chocolate hazelnut torte. I’ll share a few more of my favorite recipe recommendations below!

Chai Spiced Streusel Apple Pie➝

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with Salted Caramel and Citrus➝

Yep, you heard that right! And you might be surprised how easy it is to make your own chai spice mix at home. I always keep some in my pantry for when craving calls!

Homemade Chai Spice Mix➝

Dairy-free Vegan White Chocolate Matcha with Coconut Milk➝

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with Homemade Marshmallows➝

Mary’s Chococuterie: How to Make a Boozy Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board➝

Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate➝

I want to encourage people to feel confident to try new things in the kitchen and to be inspired to share more meals with friends and family.

It’s easy to collect recipes and save them for “some day.” I believe recipes are for making. Let's do it together. Join me in exploring the world through food!