Cinnamon Tea (2 Ingredients)
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This cinnamon tea recipe utilizes only two ingredients and is a delightful and nourishing way to stay warm on cooler days. It’s delicious and oh-so-comforting!
If you enjoy making tea, see how to brew Earl Grey tea or how to brew Irish Breakfast tea, or make a simple lemon ginger tea at home!
Why I Love Cinnamon Tea
I adore nothing more than a cup of tea in the heart of winter. But I might say that about every season. But when the air is chilly, holding a cup of warm tea is a little like heaven on earth.
While I enjoy copious amounts of my Fresh Lemon Ginger Tea, cinnamon tea is an equally simple way to enjoy warmly spiced herbal tea. It contains many health benefits and boosts immunity, but it’s also simply and utterly delicious.
Cinnamon tea is made by infusing cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon in hot water. It is classified as an herbal tea because it doesn’t contain tea leaves from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant.
How to Enjoy
Cinnamon's inherent sweetness makes this tea’s flavor a well-balanced drink. Not to mention the aroma permeating your home!
If you enjoy masala chai tea, you'll love cinnamon tea! While the basic tea recipe uses only two ingredients (cinnamon and water), you can make it creamy by adding a splash of milk or heavy cream, or sweeten it with honey.
Since it’s caffeine-free, you can enjoy it any time of the day without worrying it will keep you up at night.
Which is the best cinnamon to use?
Use Ceylon cinnamon sticks, otherwise known as “true cinnamon.” If you make cinnamon tea often, use Ceylon instead of cassia cinnamon, which contains higher amounts of coumarin that can be toxic in high amounts.
You can make cinnamon tea with any cinnamon sticks you may have at home, but if you find yourself drinking it often, consider switching to Ceylon cinnamon. I buy organic Ceylon cinnamon sticks on Amazon.
How to Make Cinnamon Tea
Like most teas, the steeping time for cinnamon tea matters. It helps bring out the very best flavors.
You will need one cinnamon stick for every one cup of water. Easy to remember! Multiply your ingredients by the number of cups of tea you are making.
Here’s the best method:
- Combine water and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once at a hearty simmer, reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, covered, for a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes. The cinnamon flavor is released into the water as it cools. Taste the tea at different intervals to determine your preferred time as the flavor intensifies as it cools. I usually wait 5 minutes.
- Strain with a mesh strainer and enjoy warm or chilled for up to 4 days.
If you want a quicker method, double the amount of cinnamon. Use two sticks per cup of tea, pour boiling water over the top, and let steep for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly (this is when the flavor magic happens) before enjoying or adding milk or sweetener.
Variations
As a tea lover, you likely love variations as much as I do. Here are some ideas you may want to try:
- Sweeten the tea: While I love honey as a sweetener in cinnamon tea, you can also use maple syrup or even sugar to taste.
- Creamy Tea: If you love a London Fog or cream in your tea, a splash of half-and-half, cream, whole milk, or any other plain creamer is a delicious variation.
- Spicy Tea: While steeping, add a couple of whole cloves or a cardamom or star anise pod to the water. Fresh ginger or turmeric is also very nice.
- Citrus Tea: Adding thin slices of orange or lemon is a beautiful enhancement.
- Iced Tea: If warm tea isn’t your thing, cinnamon tea is delicious as an iced tea too. Make it as directed, then cool it and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
Ceylon cinnamon is often preferred for tea due to its milder flavor and lower coumarin content. However, cassia cinnamon (more commonly found in grocery stores) works well too and provides a stronger, spicier flavor. Either type is suitable depending on your taste and availability.
Yes, you can use ground cinnamon, but it may not dissolve completely and can leave a gritty texture. For best results, steep the ground cinnamon in a tea bag or fine mesh strainer, or let it settle and strain before drinking.
Yes, boiling cinnamon sticks is a great way to extract their warm, spicy flavor. Simmering for 10 to 15 minutes helps release the natural oils and aroma, making a richly flavored tea.
Cinnamon tea can be enjoyed daily in moderation. If you're using cassia cinnamon regularly, be mindful of intake due to its higher coumarin content. If you’re unsure, consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Honey, maple syrup, or a slice of apple added during steeping are excellent natural sweeteners. You can also try adding a splash of orange juice or a piece of star anise for an extra depth and gentle sweetness.
Cinnamon tea pairs well with cloves, cardamom, ginger, or black pepper for a spiced blend. You can also add citrus slices, vanilla, or black tea leaves to customize the flavor.
More Tea Brewing Guide You Will Also Love
- How to Brew Earl Grey Tea
- How to Brew Irish Breakfast Tea
- Fresh Lemon Ginger Tea
- How to Grow a Tea Garden and Brew its Tea
- 5 Winter Teas to Keep You Warm All Day
- Easy London Fog Drink to Make at Home
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Cinnamon Tea (2 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
- Optional: Creamer and/or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Combine water and a cinnamon stick or sticks in a small saucepan. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once at a hearty simmer, reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, covered, for a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let steep for another 5-10 minutes as the cinnamon flavor is released into the water as it cools. My preferred time is 5 minutes. Strain with a mesh strainer and enjoy warm or chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Cinnamon Sticks: If possible, use Ceylon cinnamon sticks.
- Quick Brewing Method: Use two sticks per cup of tea, pour boiling water over the top, and let steep for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly (this is when the flavor magic happens) before enjoying or adding milk or honey.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
When the weather gets chilly, we love to relax with a warm cup of cinnamon tea. I love that you can make it with water and a cinnamon stick. And the aroma that fills the kitchen– priceless!