Sip, Spice, and Everything Nice: The Autumn Spiked Tea Cocktail

Here’s a cocktail idea for a spiced and spiked tea that fits perfectly with the fall season:

Autumn Spice Spiked Tea

Ingredients:

• 4 oz black tea (brewed and chilled)
• 1.5 oz spiced rum
• 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
• 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash of bitters (optional)
• Cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew black tea and chill it in the fridge.
2. In a shaker, combine chilled tea, spiced rum, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice. Add a dash of bitters for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
3. Shake well with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and an orange slice for a festive fall touch.
5. Enjoy the cozy blend of tea and warming spices, perfect for fall evenings.

Did you know?

One fun fact you might not know about spiced tea cocktails is that spiking tea with rum, particularly spiced rum, has historical roots dating back to the early British colonial era. Sailors and explorers often combined tea with rum to ward off the cold on long sea voyages, making it one of the earliest forms of “hot toddy” drinks.

So, when you’re sipping on your Autumn Spice Spiked Tea, you’re actually enjoying a modern twist on an age-old tradition!

A little history:

The concept of combining tea with spirits, especially rum, has a rich history rooted in both practicality and tradition. It dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when tea became a prized import in Europe, particularly among the British.

Around the same time, rum was being distilled in the Caribbean and shipped to Europe and the American colonies.

Sailors would mix rum with hot tea to create a warming drink on long, cold sea voyages. This simple combination evolved into what we know today as the hot toddy, used to stave off the chill and even combat illnesses.

Tea itself has long been associated with health benefits, and when combined with spices, its warming properties are enhanced. Spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves have historical ties to trade routes that connected Europe to Asia and the Caribbean, and they became popular additions to drinks like mulled wine, cider, and, of course, tea.

By the 19th century, spiced and spiked tea had become a staple in both high society and among the working class. Today, fall-themed cocktails like your Autumn Spice Spiked Tea celebrate this blending of cultures and flavors, modernizing a centuries-old tradition. The spices evoke the coziness of the fall season, while rum adds warmth and a touch of history to the mix. So when you’re sipping on this cocktail, you’re not just enjoying a tasty drink—you’re participating in a centuries-long legacy of spiked tea!

Here’s a mocktail version of the Autumn Spice Spiked Tea, perfect for enjoying all the warm fall flavors without the alcohol!

Autumn Spice Tea Mocktail

Ingredients:

• 4 oz black tea (brewed and chilled)
• 1 oz apple cider
• 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
• 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
• Dash of vanilla extract
• Cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew black tea and chill it in the fridge.
2. In a shaker, combine chilled tea, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, and a dash of vanilla extract.
3. Shake well with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and an orange slice for a festive fall touch.
5. Enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn in this refreshing and spiced mocktail!

This alcohol-free version delivers the same cozy, warming feel, perfect for any fall gathering!