A steaming hot toddy, made of brewed tea, dark rum and ginger will warm you to your toes.
It’s possible that I’ve reached my cold weather limit. Of course, I haven’t exactly been diligent about keeping myself warm. (You remember the picture, right?) Each day, there are endless cups of tea consumed, usually while swaddled in a large fleece blanket.
As much as I enjoy my lightly sweetened cups of Earl Grey, or warming servings of green tea, I felt that I needed an extra dose of warmth to truly warm me to the core. And then it came to me. Tea with rum. No, I’m not sitting alone at home while the kids are at school, sipping on spiked tea. But this concoction is perfect for a lazy weekend evening, while sitting in front of the fire.
This warm cocktail is based off of a traditional hot toddy, which can include a range of alcohol, depending on where you’re from. Whiskey, bourbon and brandy are the most common spirits used, while the mixers can be water spiked with spices, warm milk with honey or ginger ale and lemon.
My version stars brewed tea and dark rum. For the tea, use whatever type of black tea that appeals to you, but orange pekoe, Earl Grey and English breakfast are all good choices. The tea and rum are simmered slightly with oranges slices, pieces of fresh ginger, a little honey (or agave nectar) and a pinch of nutmeg. You could also add a combination of cinnamon sticks, apple slices and whole cloves…whatever strikes your fancy.
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The recipe:
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the tea, rum, agave nectar (or honey), orange slices, ginger slices and nutmeg.
Heat the mixture over medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes.
Remove the orange and ginger slices, and pour into 2 mugs and serve, each garnished with a piece of the orange.
Other cocktails to enjoy this weekend:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Pink Grapefruit Greyhound Cocktail
Cookin’ Canuck’s The Caesar Cocktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary
Simple Bites’ Winter Sangria with Citrus & Pomegranate
Life As A Strawberry’s Blackberry Lemon Drops
Stir and Strain’s Smoke on the Vine Cocktail
Hot Rum & Ginger Tea Toddy Recipe
From the kitchen of Cookin Canuck. www.cookincanuck.com
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups brewed orange pekoe tea
- 3 oz. dark rum
- 2 tsp agave nectar or honey
- 2 slices orange
- 2 thick, peeled slices fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Directions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the tea, rum, agave nectar (or honey), orange slices, ginger slices and nutmeg.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the orange and ginger slices, and pour into 2 mugs and serve, each garnished with a piece of the orange.
Recipe Notes
Mark says
I’m tired of the cold too, and I can’t wait to try this (maybe tonight) instead of my usual ginger tea.
Thanks for the recipe.
Jenna says
So beautiful! Perfect way to warm up!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I have been feeling a bit under the weather so this would be perfect! Pinning!
Sprigs of Rosemary says
I’ll be right over . . . .
Carla @ Carlas Confections says
Looks perfect to me! This should help my cold go away too 😉
Jen @ Savory Simple says
Right at this VERY second I am freezing. This drink is exactly what I need in my life.
foodwanderings says
Dara, I’ve got a confession, I didn’t know what is a hot toddy so when I saw your title I came right over with an inquiring mind.:) I figured it’s a hot drink, mulled maybe?! I didn’t realize it’s tea with an extra sumtin’ sumtin’.:) A shot of liquor to warm up the nights. It’s been freezing in the DC area, it seriously feels like the Arctic, or as I imagine it! 🙂
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
I wish I was sick of being cold! It’s been crazy warm this winter in Georgia – I would love a reason to dig out just one of the like 30 scarves I own!
Shaina says
Love this with the ginger tea! Perfect for keeping warm.
Jeff says
Definitely would keep my warm on these Alberta prairies! Although today was a balmy seven degrees! Such a great looking recipe. I love the addition of ginger and honey in it as well!
Galit Breen says
Um Dara?
This sounds AMAZING! I’m in love, and oh-so-very cold in Minnesota!
Love this! {Truly}
Carolyn says
Oh I want this. Like…now. 5 minutes ago!
Erika @ The Hopeless Housewife says
What a tasty way to warm up!
Miachel @ Spiced Curiosity says
Sounds divine. I love the hearty pieces of fresh ginger.
Tony says
I believe Castle Brands makes a great Rum for this recipe….jmho