If you love cocktails, coffee, or even cozy fall desserts, having a bottle of cinnamon simple syrup in your fridge can be a total game changer. This infused syrup combines warm spice with sweetness, making it an ideal addition to both cold and hot drinks. It’s easy to make at home, takes just minutes, and uses basic pantry ingredients.
Whether you want to level up your espresso martini, give your tea a twist, or spice up a batch of pancakes, this cinnamon syrup is a must-know recipe.
What Is Cinnamon Simple Syrup?
Cinnamon simple syrup is just like traditional simple syrup, but it’s infused with cinnamon sticks to give it a bold, spicy warmth. It’s made by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then simmering with cinnamon to let the flavor infuse.
It’s commonly used in coffee shops, cocktail bars, and dessert kitchens, and it can be stored in the fridge for weeks.
Why Make It at Home?
- Cheaper than store-bought flavored syrups
- Customizable strength and sweetness
- Made with real cinnamon sticks, not artificial flavors
- Perfect for cocktails, teas, and baked goods
- Free of preservatives and additives
Once you make your own batch, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s all you need to make cinnamon simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks (use more for a stronger flavor)
Optional additions:
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (adds depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for a caramel note)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Step 1: Combine Sugar and Water
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar evenly. Use a clean spoon and avoid scraping the sides of the pot too much to prevent crystallization later.
Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Sticks
Drop in 3 to 4 whole cinnamon sticks. Choose good-quality sticks for the best flavor. Ceylon cinnamon has a milder, more citrusy note, while Cassia cinnamon is spicier and more intense.
Step 3: Simmer and Infuse
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves fully, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer with the cinnamon sticks for 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t boil it—just let it gently bubble so the cinnamon has time to infuse.
Step 4: Cool and Strain
Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool with the cinnamon sticks still in the pot. The longer it sits, the stronger the cinnamon flavor will be. Once cooled, strain out the cinnamon sticks and pour the syrup into a clean, airtight glass bottle or jar.
Step 5: Store
Refrigerate the syrup. It will last for up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, add a splash (about ½ oz) of vodka as a natural preservative.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base, feel free to add other ingredients to make it your own.
- Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing from heat.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup: Replace half the white sugar with light or dark brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
- Spiced Syrup: Add a few cloves or a piece of star anise for a deeper spiced profile.
- Citrus Cinnamon Syrup: Add orange or lemon peel during simmering for a zesty twist.
How to Use Cinnamon Simple Syrup
The possibilities are endless. This syrup blends beautifully in drinks, desserts, and breakfast favorites.
In Cocktails:
- Whiskey Sour: Replace regular simple syrup with cinnamon syrup.
- Espresso Martini: Adds warmth and balance to the bold espresso.
- Hot Toddy: Stir into hot water with whiskey and lemon.
- Cinnamon Old Fashioned: Mix with bourbon and a few dashes of bitters.
In Coffee and Tea:
- Add 1–2 teaspoons to your latte or cold brew
- Mix into chai or spiced teas
- Stir into hot cocoa for a seasonal upgrade
In the Kitchen:
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Stir into oatmeal or yogurt
- Use in glazes or frostings for cinnamon rolls
- Brush over baked apples or roasted sweet potatoes
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t rush the simmering time: Cinnamon needs at least 10 minutes to infuse.
- Taste before bottling: If it’s too strong, dilute with a little more water. Too weak? Add another stick and simmer longer.
- Use clean storage containers: This helps extend shelf life and keeps your syrup fresh.
- Label your syrup: Write the date you made it so you can track freshness.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon simple syrup is one of the easiest ways to bring cozy, comforting flavor to your drinks and dishes. With just three ingredients and 20 minutes of time, you get a bold, aromatic syrup that adds instant warmth wherever it goes.
Once you have a jar ready in the fridge, you’ll find endless ways to use it—from your morning brew to your evening nightcap. Make a batch, bottle it up, and enjoy the spicy sweetness all season long.
