SYRUPSCinnamon Syrup
The quick answer
Combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 3 whole cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool. Makes about 1.5 cups of syrup that keeps in the fridge for 3 weeks.
Three cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 20 minutes is all it takes to have a better cinnamon syrup than anything in a bottle.
Whole cinnamon sticks extract more flavor than ground cinnamon powder in a simple syrup. Ground cinnamon turns the syrup cloudy and gritty and requires more aggressive straining. Stick with whole sticks -- 3 Ceylon or 2 Cassia sticks per cup of water produces a well-balanced cinnamon flavor without bitterness.
Ceylon and Cassia are the two main cinnamon varieties available in US grocery stores. Ceylon (also called true cinnamon) is lighter in color, slightly sweet, and more complex. Cassia (what you usually get in generic 'cinnamon sticks' at grocery stores) is darker, more pungent, and has a stronger familiar cinnamon punch. Both work -- Ceylon produces a more delicate syrup, Cassia produces a bolder one.
Steep time controls the intensity. Fifteen minutes produces a medium cinnamon flavor that works in lattes without overpowering the coffee. Steep for 20-25 minutes for a stronger syrup suited to hot apple cider or oatmeal. Do not steep beyond 30 minutes -- the cinnamon oil compounds become bitter at extended steep times.
You can add complexity with one or two supplemental spices. A pinch of nutmeg and 2-3 whole cloves added with the cinnamon sticks creates a chai-adjacent spiced syrup. A whole vanilla bean split lengthwise adds a warm vanilla-cinnamon combination that works in everything from lattes to pancakes.
Dial it in before you make it
Balance sugar and water for a syrup that pours like the bottled stuff.
| Measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumps | 3 |
| Tablespoons | 1.5 tbsp |
| Volume | 22.5 mL |
| Approx. calories (regular syrup) | ~60 cal |
Sugar-free syrup ≈ 0 calories. 1 pump ≈ 0.25 fl oz / 7.5 mL / 0.5 tbsp / ~20 cal. Based on standard cafe pump chart.
Make it
Makes 1 About 1.5 cups (20-25 servings)
Ingredients
Steps
We tested this syrup with Ceylon sticks at 10, 15, 20, and 25-minute steep times. Fifteen minutes is the sweet spot for coffee drinks -- the cinnamon flavor is present throughout without turning harsh at the back of the throat. The syrup dissolved cleanly in both hot and iced drinks in every test.
Pro tips
- Use whole cinnamon sticks, not ground cinnamon. Ground cinnamon makes the syrup gritty and requires much more straining.
- Ceylon cinnamon produces a more delicate, slightly sweeter syrup. Cassia produces a stronger, more assertive cinnamon flavor. Both are widely available.
- For a richer syrup, use brown sugar instead of white. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses note that pairs especially well with apple cider and chai drinks.
- Reuse the strained cinnamon sticks once -- steep them in a second batch with fresh sugar and water. The second batch will be slightly milder.
- For a cinnamon-vanilla syrup, add one split vanilla bean to the pan with the cinnamon sticks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon for syrup?
Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) produces a lighter, more complex syrup with subtle floral and citrus notes. Cassia cinnamon (the common grocery store variety) produces a stronger, more pungent syrup with the familiar bold cinnamon flavor. Either works for coffee drinks -- choose based on how assertive you want the cinnamon flavor to be.
How much cinnamon syrup should I add to coffee?
Start with 1-2 tablespoons per 8-10 oz drink. Cinnamon syrup is less intensely flavored than peppermint or lavender syrup, so you can use slightly more without overwhelming the drink. Add it to the espresso base before adding milk so it dissolves and distributes evenly.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Ground cinnamon makes the syrup cloudy and gritty, and even after straining through a coffee filter you will have sediment. Whole cinnamon sticks steep cleanly and produce a much clearer, smoother syrup. They are available at virtually any grocery store.
How long does homemade cinnamon syrup last?
Cinnamon syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks in a sealed glass jar. It lasts slightly longer than most herb-based syrups because cinnamon has natural antimicrobial properties. If the syrup becomes cloudy or develops an off smell before 3 weeks, discard it.
What drinks work well with cinnamon syrup?
Cinnamon syrup works in lattes, cold brew, chai, apple cider, and even cocktails. It pairs especially well with pumpkin spice drinks, caramel-flavored coffees, and any fall-themed beverage. It also works in oatmeal, yogurt, and baked goods as a liquid sweetener substitute.
