Cinnamon tea is a warm, soothing drink that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a comforting cup with a hint of spice. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cinnamon tea at home, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through easy steps to brew the perfect cup, plus tips for variations and serving ideas. Let’s dive in!
What You Need to Make Cinnamon Tea
Making cinnamon tea is wonderfully simple. The basic ingredients are:
– Cinnamon sticks (the best choice for flavor)
– Water
– Optional sweeteners like honey or sugar
– Optional additions like black tea or orange peel for extra flavor
Avoid using ground cinnamon for this recipe, as it doesn’t steep as well and can leave a gritty texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Tea
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
For each cup of tea, use one cinnamon stick. If you want to make a larger batch, multiply accordingly (e.g., 4 cups of water with 4 cinnamon sticks).
2. Boil the Water
Pour the water into a saucepan or pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer with Cinnamon Sticks
Once boiling, add the cinnamon sticks to the water. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. Cover the pot to prevent evaporation and to keep the flavors concentrated.
– Simmering longer than 15 minutes may cause the tea to taste flat or dull in color.
– For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can break the sticks into pieces before simmering.
4. Steep Off Heat
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat but leave the cinnamon sticks in the water to steep for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the cinnamon to release even more flavor as it cools slightly.
5. Strain and Serve
Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer into mugs or a teapot. Remove the cinnamon sticks and any other solids.
6. Add Sweetener or Extras (Optional)
If you like, add honey, sugar, or your preferred sweetener to taste. You can also add a splash of milk or cream for a creamy twist, or even a slice of orange peel during simmering for a citrusy note.
Quick Cinnamon Tea Shortcut
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick way to make cinnamon tea:
– Boil water and pour it over two cinnamon sticks in a mug.
– Let it steep for 10 minutes.
– Enjoy as is or add sweetener and cream if desired.
Note: This shortcut uses twice as many cinnamon sticks to compensate for the shorter steeping time.
Variations to Try
Cinnamon Tea with Black Tea
Add black tea leaves during the last 1-2 minutes of steeping to create a spiced chai-like drink. This adds caffeine and deepens the flavor.
Iced Cinnamon Tea
Make the tea as usual, add sweetener while warm, then chill in the fridge. Serve over ice with an optional squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist.
Creamy Cinnamon Tea
Add milk or cream after brewing for a comforting, creamy beverage that’s perfect for relaxing moments.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Many people find it soothing for sore throats and helpful for digestion. Plus, it’s caffeine-free unless you add black tea, making it a great choice any time of day.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Tea
– Use Ceylon cinnamon sticks if possible; they have a sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to Cassia cinnamon.
– Don’t over-simmer; 10-15 minutes is ideal to avoid bitterness.
– Adjust cinnamon stick quantity to your taste preference.
– Sweeten only after brewing so you can control the sweetness level.
Making cinnamon tea is a simple pleasure that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and your cup with warmth and flavor. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, plain or creamy, it’s a versatile drink that’s easy to make and delightful to sip.
Enjoy your cinnamon tea moment!