Some flavors bring you back in time. For me, cinnamon does exactly that. I can still remember the gentle sound of the kettle boiling while Grandma stirred a small pot of sugar and cinnamon sticks, filling our kitchen with a warm, spiced scent that wrapped around us like a blanket. That was her version of comfort: a homemade cinnamon simple syrup made from scratch, stirred with love, and served with stories from her childhood in Michoacán.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Is Worth It
As a home cook raising a family with my mom, husband, and our vibrant 6-year-old daughter, I now carry on that syrup tradition in our own way. Mornings in our kitchen start with sleepy smiles, clinking mugs, and a splash of cinnamon syrup in our coffee. On colder evenings, I drizzle it over warm apple slices or stir it into hot cocoa for a spiced hug in a cup. Cinnamon simple syrup isn’t just sugar and spice—it’s a shortcut to comfort, connection, and flavor.
What makes cinnamon simple syrup so easy and special is that you only need a few ingredients: sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. But the possibilities are endless. You can use it in everything from coffee to cocktails, mocktails, tea, and even baked goods. And the best part? You control the sweetness and spice.
Once you try making this homemade cinnamon syrup, it’ll become a go-to in your fridge. It’s more affordable, richer in flavor, and far more rewarding than any store-bought version. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add a natural, cozy sweetness to your drinks without using flavored creamers.
Ingredients That Warm the Soul
Choosing the Right Cinnamon: Cassia vs. Ceylon
When it comes to making cinnamon simple syrup, the magic is in the details—and the type of cinnamon you choose plays a big part. In our kitchen, Grandma always favored Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon,” which has a light, citrusy flavor and is common in Mexican desserts. It’s delicate and floral, ideal for sweet applications like syrup. But if you want a bold, punchy flavor, Cassia cinnamon (what you’ll find in most U.S. grocery stores) is spicier and more intense. Either one works beautifully depending on your preference, but stick with whole sticks, not ground cinnamon, for the clearest, smoothest syrup.
You’ll also want to decide what type of sugar to use. White granulated sugar is the most common and creates a clean-tasting syrup that lets the cinnamon shine. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a mix of white and brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor, or even raw demerara sugar for something richer. Just keep in mind that darker sugars may overshadow the cinnamon if used alone.
Cinnamon Simple Syrup Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar)
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks (adjust to your preferred strength)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
That’s it—just four ingredients. And no need for special tools; a saucepan and a strainer will do. For a sugar-free version, try a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia, but be sure to taste-test during steeping as the sweetness can vary.
How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Tips for Intense Flavor and Longer Shelf Life
Making cinnamon simple syrup is just as easy as making a pot of tea—only sweeter. You’ll start with a basic 1:1 syrup (equal parts sugar and water), then infuse it with cinnamon sticks. It’s a quick 10-minute process that rewards you with a syrup you’ll be using for weeks.
Follow these clear steps:
- Step 1: Boil the Water
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add Sugar and Stir to Dissolve
Pour in 1 cup of sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes clear.
- Step 3: Add Cinnamon Sticks
Drop in 3–4 cinnamon sticks. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently (not boil) for 5 minutes. This allows the cinnamon to infuse into the syrup.
- Step 4: Cover and Steep
Turn off the heat. Keep the pan covered and let the syrup steep for at least 1 hour. For a stronger flavor, steep up to 6 hours.
- Step 5: Optional Vanilla Add-In
Once cooled, stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for added warmth and complexity.
- Step 6: Strain and Store
Remove cinnamon sticks and pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Flavor Boost Tip: Want a stronger cinnamon taste? Lightly break the cinnamon sticks before simmering to increase surface area. You can also steep overnight for maximum spice.
Preservation Tip: Add a teaspoon of vodka to extend shelf life up to a month. It won’t affect the flavor but will slow bacterial growth.
If you love easy homemade infusions, don’t miss my recipe for cafe de olla syrup—it’s another Mexican favorite perfect for coffee and baking.
Serving, Variations, and Storing Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Creative Twists
Once your cinnamon simple syrup is ready, the fun really begins. It’s a versatile sweetener that brings cozy flavor to just about anything. Whether you’re stirring it into a drink or drizzling it over dessert, this syrup has a place in every season.
Coffee & Tea:
Add 1–2 teaspoons to your morning coffee, lattes, or cold brew for a cinnamon-spiced twist. It’s especially good in oat milk lattes and chai tea.
Cocktails:
Mix it into bourbon drinks, apple martinis, or holiday cocktails. It plays beautifully in classics like a spiced old-fashioned or fall sangria.
Mocktails & Sodas:
Use it in sparkling water with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing cinnamon soda. Or stir into warm apple cider for instant mulled vibes.
Baking & Desserts:
Drizzle over pancakes, French toast, or vanilla ice cream. It also works wonders in baked goods—brush it over cinnamon rolls before icing for extra depth.
Seasonal Tip: Combine it with pumpkin puree and espresso to make your own homemade pumpkin spice latte.
Now, if you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few fun variations:
| Variation | Add to the Basic Recipe |
|---|---|
| Spiced Orange | 2 orange peels + 1 clove during simmering |
| Mexican Mocha Twist | 1 tbsp cocoa powder + cinnamon |
| Honey-Cinnamon Syrup | Replace half the sugar with raw honey |
Storage Instructions:
Store in a clean, airtight glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It lasts up to 2 weeks. If you added vanilla or used brown sugar, the color will darken slightly—this is normal.
Want another drink-friendly syrup that pairs beautifully with fall flavors? Try this café de olla —it’s one of our most-loved recipes this time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cinnamon simple syrup?
Cinnamon simple syrup is a sweet, spiced liquid made by simmering sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. It’s used to add warm cinnamon flavor to drinks like coffee, tea, cocktails, and even desserts. Unlike ground cinnamon, which can leave residue, the syrup blends smoothly into beverages.
How much cinnamon should I add to simple syrup?
Use 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks per 1 cup of water and sugar. For a stronger flavor, break the sticks before simmering and steep longer—up to 6 hours. Avoid ground cinnamon, as it won’t strain cleanly and may affect texture.
How do you use cinnamon simple syrup?
Add it to lattes, chai, hot cocoa, cocktails, lemonades, or sparkling water. You can also drizzle it over pancakes, oatmeal, or baked fruit. It’s especially popular during fall and winter for spiced seasonal recipes.
How do I make the best cinnamon syrup?
Start with high-quality cinnamon sticks (Ceylon or cassia). Simmer gently, then steep for at least an hour. Add vanilla for depth, or mix in orange peel or cloves for extra spice. Always store it in the fridge in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Cinnamon simple syrup is more than just a sweetener—it’s comfort in a bottle. Whether you’re making spiced lattes for chilly mornings or adding a warm note to holiday cocktails, this homemade version outshines any store-bought syrup. And with just a few ingredients, it’s a simple tradition worth keeping in your kitchen. Make a batch today, and let the cinnamon warmth flow through every sip.
Looking for more recipes that celebrate spice and simplicity? You’ll love this Pickle with Chamoy recipe—another warm favorite from our family to yours.
Print
Cinnamon Simple Syrup Recipe: Easy Homemade Sweetener for Coffee and Cocktails
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins + 1 hr steep
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Syrup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, spiced, and incredibly easy to make, this homemade cinnamon simple syrup is perfect for coffee, tea, cocktails, and desserts. Just 4 ingredients and a few minutes deliver cozy flavor all season long.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar (or half white, half brown sugar)
3–4 cinnamon sticks
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
3. Add cinnamon sticks and reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and cover to steep for 1 to 6 hours.
5. Strain out cinnamon sticks and stir in vanilla, if using.
6. Transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle with lid.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Break cinnamon sticks before simmering for stronger flavor.
Use Ceylon cinnamon for subtle citrus notes, or cassia for bold spice.
Add 1 tsp vodka to extend shelf life to 1 month.
Great for coffee, cocktails, tea, or desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 33
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg