We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Fall is in full swing, which means hosting has begun. So the timing couldn’t be more perfect to share this recipe from Tieghan Gerard’s new cookbook, Quick & Cozy. Tieghan is one of our favorite cookbook authors and the creator of Half Baked Harvest. She recently came to Austin to co-host an intimate holiday dinner party in Camille’s backyard, and this apple-vanilla chai hot toddy was the cozy welcome drink that guests went wild for. So, in the spirit of all things warm and cozy, we’re sharing it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Apple-Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy
This bevvy is at the top of our holiday cocktail list this year. With the perfect blend of autumn flavors, this hug-in-a-mug brings together the rich, spiced notes of chai tea and apple cider with the perfect hint of vanilla sweetness. Garnished with apple slices, star anise, and a cinnamon stick, this toddy is not only delicious but will also grab everyone’s attention at first glance. Plus, it’s super simple to turn this into a mocktail by swapping out the bourbon for extra apple cider. Savor, sip, and enjoy!
Reprinted from Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy, Copyright 2024 by Tieghan Gerard. Photographs copyright 2024 by Tieghan Gerard. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House.
Print
Apple-Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy
Description
This chai hot toddy is the perfect way to welcome guests in from the cold.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 organic chai tea bags
- 3 small cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange slice
- Cayenne pepper
- Fine pink Himalayan salt
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For serving:
- Apple slices
- Star anise
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the cider and ½ cup of water to a boil over high heat. Add the tea bags, 1 cinnamon stick, the orange slice, and a small pinch of cayenne and salt. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep until very fragrant and darker in color, about 10 minutes.
- Return the pan to medium heat and warm until steaming. Remove from the heat and add the bourbon, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla.
- Divide the drink between two mugs. Garnish each one with an apple slice, cinnamon stick (see page 67 for how to light it), and star anise. Serve immediately.
Make it a mocktail:
- Omit the bourbon; replace with additional apple cider.
