I love chai and I love chocolate, so I on a particularly cold night last weekend I got into a ‘warm-me-up’ mixology mode.

Because it was a Friday evening (and came just after the end of 'dry January'), I decided to treat myself and I added a shot of bourbon and made my bevvy into a hot toddy that temporarily helped lessen the agitation of the computer problems I was having that night, without making me dozy.

What I love about this drink is that it starts out as a fragrant and indulgent creamy chai -- and then right before serving, you sling in a little bourbon, and suddenly it's a very sophisticated adult beverage. 

Note that I also make it without the bourbon sometimes and this version is also super delicious!

For the Dirty Cacao Chai:
8 oz (full fat) coconut milk
4 oz water
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
2 tablespoons cocoa powder 
1 ½ inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and flattened.
3 tablespoons coconut sugar
2 bags of chai tea 

For the Dirty Toddy:
2 oz bourbon 

Directions: 

1. Whisk coconut milk, water, spices, cocoa and coconut sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. Add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
4. Remove tea bags, strain out spices and split chai between two pre-warmed teacups.
5. Add one ounce of bourbon to each mug.

Serves 2

 Stir, sip + enjoy! Let us know what you think of this dirty cocoa chai recipe.