Whether its for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a new cocktail recipe, cinnamon syrup is an excellent drink sweetener. It adds a subtle, warming spice to a variety of beverages and its very easy to make at home. When you discover the joy of cinnamon syrup, it will become a regular in your kitchen or bar.
Homemade simple syrup is inexpensive and uncomplicated, requiring water, sugar, and a little time on the stove. Adding the cinnamon flavor is as simple as dropping a few cinnamon sticks into the syrup and letting it steep under the heat. Once cool, you can add a bit of vanilla extract for extra depth if you like. It takes just a splash to sweeten beverages and the syrup keeps well for a couple of weeks. With this recipe, youll have plenty of syrup around to explore its full potential.
“I used cinnamon sticks from India to make the simple syrup, so they were probably Ceylon cinnamon. The syrup would be excellent with either kind—cassia or Ceylon. The vanilla balanced the flavor nicely, and youll love the wonderful aroma, too!” —Diana Rattray
Remove from heat and add cinnamon stick pieces. Cover and allow to infuse for at least 6 hours. Strain out the solids and bottle. Will keep, tightly sealed and refrigerated, for up to 1 month.
Steps to Make It
- Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- Reduce the heat, add the cinnamon sticks. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- Remove the pan from the heat. Keep covered, and allow the syrup to cool and steep for at least 1 hour; for more flavor, let it stand for up to 6 hours.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- Transfer the syrup to a bottle with a tight seal.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- Refrigerate and use to sweeten your favorite drinks. Enjoy.
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator; it will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
- One or two cinnamon sticks will work and give the syrup a nice flavor. Consider breaking them up into large pieces to increase contact with the syrup and let the syrup steep longer for maximum flavor.
What Kind of Cinnamon Is Best for Simple Syrup?
The kind of cinnamon sticks you use depends on the flavor you prefer. There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (also known as Mexican cinnamon or true cinnamon) and cassia, which may be labeled Indonesian Korentje or Vietnamese Saigon. Both types of cinnamon come from the the bark of trees. Ceylon cinnamon is often referred to as “real,” or “true” cinnamon, but both kinds are real cinnamon.
As for flavor, Ceylon cinnamon is mild, slightly floral, and citrusy, and its often paired with fruit, such as poached pears and apples. Cassia cinnamon is the most commonly found cinnamon in the U.S. and is an excellent choice for baking.
Lazy Cinnamon Syrup, it just takes a few minutes
FAQ
Does cinnamon simple syrup go bad?
How long can homemade syrup last?
What is cinnamon syrup made of?
How do you preserve homemade syrup?