Tamarind Ginger Hot Toddy with Indian Spice Blend

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm and soothing hot toddy featuring tamarind and ginger syrup infused with traditional Indian spices, perfect for chilly evenings or seasonal comfort. This indian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together whiskey, tamarind paste, inch piece, sliced thinly fresh ginger for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 1 Indian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 inch thinly sliced fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 4 whole black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the hot tamarind-ginger spice infusion into a heatproof mug.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp honey until fully dissolved into the warm liquid.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 oz whiskey to the mug and stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 lemon wedge and 1 star anise pod on top. Sip slowly to enjoy a comforting Indian-spiced hot toddy perfect for soothing cold evenings or winding down.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind Ginger Hot Toddy with Indian Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Tamarind Ginger Hot Toddy with Indian Spice Blend?

Refrigerate any leftover tamarind ginger hot toddy with indian spice blend in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind Ginger Hot Toddy with Indian Spice Blend?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tamarind Ginger Hot Toddy with Indian Spice Blend for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tamarind Ginger Hot Toddy with Indian Spice Blend?

Indian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.