Hot Tea Cocktails and Drinks

A delicious blend of black tea, cardamom, citrus, black pepper, ginger, cloves and more. In honor of Hot Tea Month, and not to mention the frigid temperatures sweeping the country, we invite you to break out of your typical tea bag rut and try our favorite hot tea beverage and cocktails recipes guaranteed to warm you up on even the coldest days! If you find yourself torn between an indulgent latte and soothing hot tea, try this spicy and sweet Masala Chai Latte infused with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and citrus.   This particular Masala Chai Latte is a bit easier to make since the loose leaf tea is already blended with spices, ginger, and citrus peels rather than having to add and steep your own. Masala Chai Latte-makes 2 lattes

• 12 oz. of near boiling water
• 4 oz. of milk
• Masala Chai tea in an infuser or tea sac- we like to use 1-2 teaspoons of tea for every 6oz. of water.  If you enjoy stronger tea, use more tea rather than steeping longer.
• Honey or sugar to taste
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish

In a saucepan, bring the water to a near boil and place the tea infuser or sac into water and simmer for 5 minutes. While the tea is simmering, steam the milk using a stand-alone milk steamer or steam wand from an espresso machine.   If you do not have a milk steamer, you may also heat the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave.  Heating milk is a delicate process; be sure not to burn the milk as it will affect the taste of your latte.   Once the tea has steeped, place a cinnamon stick in your mug and strain the tea into the mug using a mesh strainer.  Fill your mug about 2/3 of the way and then top with the steamed or heated milk.  Add sugar or honey to taste if desired and enjoy! *Make this latte your own by trying different variations: try it with soy milk or top with whip cream and nutmeg for dessert! For a new take on the classic toddy, try the following hot toddy made with Grand Marnier. Toddy A L’orange-makes one cocktail

• 1 oz. Grand Marnier
• ¼ lemon
• 6oz. of near boiling water
• Orange Spice  tea in an infuser or tea sac-we like to use 1-2 teaspoons of tea for every 6oz. of water.  If you enjoy stronger tea, use more tea rather than steeping longer.
• Honey if desired

If you typically enjoy your tea a bit sweeter, coat the bottom of your mug with honey.  Add the Grand Marnier and juice of the lemon.  Separately, heat the water in a tea kettle or on the stove to near boiling.  Add the tea infuser or tea sac and let steep to your taste.  Most black teas, like Orange Spice, typically need to steep for 2-3 minutes.  Once tea has steeped, pour into your mug and stir. For a bit more orange flavor, add a thin slice of orange to float on the top and enjoy responsibly! What favorite hot tea beverages are you enjoying to celebrate Hot Tea Month?  Share with us below!