Hot Rakija Toddy 🥃 Serbian Winter 🇷🇸 (Šumadijski čaj)

Description

Plum rakija gently heated with caramelized sugar, water, and lemon—steaming, cozy, softly smoky. In Serbia it’s called “tea,” though there’s no tea inside. 🍂

Hook: Warm, whisk, sip—zero shaker, pure winter comfort. ⚡

Ingredients

• 🥃 Plum rakija (or other fruit brandy): 120 ml (½ cup / 4 fl oz)
• 🍬 Sugar (traditional is white; brown adds depth): 25 g (2 tbsp / 0.9 oz)
• 💧 Water: 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp / 6.8 fl oz)
• 🍋 Lemon peel (wide strip) + 2 thin wheels, to serve: 1 lemon
• 🌿 Whole cloves (optional): 2
• 🌿 Cinnamon stick (optional): 1 small

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ Caramel base: In a small pot over medium heat, melt 🍬 sugar until amber. Carefully add 💧 water (it will sputter) and stir to dissolve.
2. 2️⃣ Warm & infuse: Add 🥃 rakija, 🍋 peel, and spices if using. Heat gently until steaming—do not boil (you’ll lose aroma).
3. 3️⃣ Serve: Strain into heatproof glasses or clay cups. Garnish with a thin 🍋 wheel.

Total Time

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
⏳ Total: 10 min

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