Rum Tea Toddy Cocktail

There’s something truly satisfying about a warm drink that mixes a bit of spice, a touch of sweetness, and a splash of something special to help you unwind. The Rum Tea Toddy fits that bill perfectly.

This simple yet tasty variation on the Hot Toddy blends strong black tea with rum and Rumchata, creating a smooth, cozy beverage that’s great for relaxing any time of the year.

This drink was made for fall and winter, but it’s a nice pick-me-up anytime a cup of tea sounds good. It’s actually very light on the alcohol, so even very moderate drinkers can enjoy this one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Rum Tea Toddy

The instructions are in the recipe, of course, but here’s more detail. First, brew your black tea. Use loose-leaf or bagged tea, whichever you prefer, but make sure it’s strong.

Steep it for about 4 to 5 minutes so that the flavor is full-bodied enough to shine through once the other ingredients are added. If you want to sweeten your drink, stir in a teaspoon of sugar while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely. If you don’t add sugar now and later wish you had, just add simple syrup instead.

Next, pour in the dark rum. You can use spiced if you want additional spicy flavors beyond what the Rumchata brings.

Finally, add one shot of Rumchata. This creamy liqueur brings a gentle richness and sweet-spicy notes that make the drink feel indulgent without being over the top.

Give everything a good stir to blend all the flavors together.

Finally, garnish your Rum Tea Toddy with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon. The cinnamon adds a warm aroma and can be used as a stirrer, while the lemon slice gives a fresh citrus hint that cuts through the richness.

Tips for Choosing Your Ingredients

For the tea, choose a black tea with a bold flavor profile. Assam or English Breakfast teas work well because they are strong enough to hold their own when mixed with alcohol. PG Tips is my choice.

When it comes to rum, dark or spiced varieties bring extra warmth and complexity thanks to their aging process and added spices. If you want something milder or sweeter, you could go with light rum.

Rumchata is a cream-based liqueur flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. It adds texture and flavor that’s hard to replace. You can use Irish cream instead, but it will lack the spicy flavor. 

If you prefer your drinks less sweet, skip the sugar or reduce it to taste. Alternatively, you can try honey or maple syrup for a natural touch of sweetness.

Why This Drink Works So Well

The Rum Tea Toddy manages to combine flavors that balance each other nicely. The bitterness and tannin from the black tea contrast with the sweetness and creaminess from the Rumchata while the rum adds warmth and depth. 

It’s flexible enough to suit different tastes but consistent enough to deliver comfort in every cup. Most importantly, it’s easy to prepare—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Serving Suggestions

This drink is best served hot in a sturdy mug or heatproof glass. It pairs wonderfully with simple snacks like buttery biscuits or toasted nuts if you want something light alongside it.

Because it’s moderately strong and warming, it works well as an evening treat after dinner or during quiet moments when you want to relax without heavy cocktails or caffeine overload.

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