Coconut Chai Toddy Cocktail Recipe

When the weather starts to cool off, I find myself craving something warm and comforting instead of iced drinks. That’s usually when I start thinking about cocktails that feel cozy but still have a little twist.

A Coconut Chai Toddy mixes the creamy vibe of coconut with the spiced warmth of chai tea, and honestly, it just hits different on slow evenings.

There’s something about this recipe that makes familiar ingredients feel a bit more special. You don’t need fancy bar tools or anything wild—just a handful of steps and suddenly you’ve got a drink that’s both relaxing and a little bit indulgent.

This cocktail warms you up and brings together sweet, spiced, and rich notes in every sip. Sometimes I wonder why I don’t make it more often.

Coconut Chai Toddy Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this when I want a drink that’s warm, spiced, and has a touch of creaminess. The combo of chai tea, coconut milk, and rum creates a flavor that’s cozy and sweet, but the spices give it a gentle kick.

Equipment

• Heatproof mug or glass
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Tea kettle or pot for boiling water

Honestly, a sturdy mug keeps it hot longer—trust me on that. I like using a small saucepan to warm the coconut milk without burning it.

Measuring everything helps keep the flavors balanced, especially with the rum and honey. If you’re not into bits of spice floating around, a strainer makes things smoother.

Ingredients

• 1 chai tea bag (black tea base)
• 1 cup hot water
• ½ cup creamy coconut milk
• 1 ½ oz dark rum or spiced rum (like Captain Morgan)
• 1 tbsp honey or clove syrup
• ½ tsp coconut syrup (such as Monin)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 thin slice fresh ginger
• 1 pinch ground cardamom
• 1 pinch ground coriander
• 1 pinch black pepper

I’m partial to dark rum for the deeper flavor, but spiced rum gives it extra warmth if that’s your thing. Honey really softens the spice, and coconut syrup brings out that tropical note.

The mix of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, coriander, and black pepper really makes it taste like a proper chai hot toddy.

Instructions

• Boil 1 cup of water and steep the chai tea bag for about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Warm the coconut milk in a small saucepan until it’s hot, but don’t let it boil.
• Take out the tea bag and stir in the honey, coconut syrup, and all the spices.
• Pour the hot coconut milk into the tea and give it a good stir.
• Add the rum and mix gently.
• Serve it in a heatproof mug and pop in a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Sometimes I add a little more honey if I want it sweeter. The cinnamon stick looks nice, but it also adds a bit more spice as you sip.

Notes

Creamy coconut milk just works better than the light stuff—it blends in and doesn’t taste watery. If I’m out of honey, clove syrup is a solid swap and gives it a little extra spice.

Spiced rum makes it taste more like a coconut toddy, while dark rum keeps things classic. If I want more heat, I’ll just drop a thin slice of fresh ginger right in the mug.

The drink stays warm and full of flavor for about 15 minutes, so I don’t wait too long to drink it. If I’m making more than one, I just double everything and keep it warm on the stove.

Tasting Notes

There’s this warm mix of spice and creaminess in the drink that hits right away. The chai spices bring a gentle heat, and the coconut? It adds a smooth, slightly sweet layer that just feels right.

Honestly, it’s a natural fit for a cozy holiday drink. That first sip—cinnamon and cardamom come through immediately.

Then, I start to notice how the richness of coconut milk steps in, balancing out those sharper spice notes. The flavor stays pretty soft and rounded, never really going overboard.

I like how the drink shifts as it cools down a bit. The spices get a little bolder, and the coconut keeps everything mellow in the finish.

It makes the cocktail really easy to sip slowly, which is kind of perfect. As a holiday cocktail, it’s comforting but not too heavy.

The mix of warm chai and creamy coconut reminds me of sitting by the fire at some winter gathering. Honestly, it works just as well after dinner as it does as a little treat on a cold night.

The texture is smooth, maybe a bit thick, so it feels almost like a small indulgence. I enjoy how the heat of the toddy blends with those spices, giving a steady warmth that just sort of lingers.