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The best cinnamon drinks to get cozy with this winter

The best cinnamon drinks to get cozy with this winter

Imported as early as 2000 BC via the spice trade from Southeast Asia to Egypt, cinnamon is one of the oldest cultivated spices in history. Once more valuable than gold, it was highly treasured in ancient civilizations and was often gifted to monarchs.

Cinnamon is also one of the world’s most common flavor enhancers, versatile enough to lend its rich, aromatic properties to both sweet and savory dishes. It has a distinctive scent quality that is woodsy and warming. Although the spice itself is not sweet, cinnamon can enhance the sweetness of a recipe. It can also enhance the complexity of spices in a savory recipe without adding heat.

Like nutmeg, gingerand cloves, cinnamon is an essential baking spice that provides cozy winter days and comforting warm mugs of cheer. It plays a crucial role in drink recipes around the world, from adding intoxicating sweet spices to a… Mexican hot chocolate And Coquito to bring earthy aromatics to a classic Horchata.

To help you find a new favorite, these cinnamon drinks range from takes on classics like the Spiced Negroni And Gingerbread Margarita to modern creations such as the Alcohol-free cranberry-pomegranate punch.

Eva Kolenko


When diving into the world of cinnamon drinks, this easy-to-make cinnamon syrup should be your first stop. A spicy and seasonal variation on a simple syrupsugar and water are infused into whole cinnamon sticks. This warming syrup can be easily mixed into cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, including hot coffee and tea-based drinks. It can also be adjusted to the desired spice level. Let the mixture steep longer with added cinnamon for an even more robust, spicy cinnamon profile.

Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley


This spiced version of the classic bittersweet Negroni comes from bartender and cocktail influencer Kaitlyn Stewart. Made with Campari, sweet vermouth and gin infused with cinnamon, star anise and cloves, topped with an orange slice dusted with cinnamon powder for an extra kick. The gin here is infused for twelve hours with three types of whole herbs, creating complex layers of savory, earthy flavors. For softer herbal notes, the infusion time can be shortened.

Eva Kolenko


This citrus-and-spice spritz is a lower ABV drink that contains bittersweet amaro, cinnamon-infused simple syrup, orange and lemon juice and soft drinks. Amaro Montenegro, the bittersweet Italian herbal liqueur, offers notes of orange peel, lemon and a hint of vanilla. The combination of cinnamon and citrus is refreshing yet warming, balancing the tart flavors of orange and lemon juice with the aromatic and smoky notes of cinnamon.

Victoria Popova/Getty Images


This creamy and nutty Horchata recipe comes from At Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas 2023 Food and wine Best new chef Edgar Rico and his wife and business partner Sara Mardanbigi. Although their recipe is classic and simple – made with rice, cinnamon, sugar and water – this traditional treat requires some patience, but is well worth the effort. Add a dash of rum or cognac for a spicy twist on the creamy drink.

Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Aichele


While tequila isn’t always the first option that comes to mind when thinking of hot drinks, the addition of warming spices like cinnamon and ginger uses the spirit here to create an aromatic winter grog. When the spices are turned into ginger-cinnamon tea, they help enhance the earthy qualities of a reposado tequila. A touch of agave syrup is added for sweetness, and whole cloves and orange peels provide even more aromatics as a garnish.

Photo by Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis

Do you want to prepare your Margarita for winter? This spiced orange syrup variation tastes like a holiday pie and is perfect for your seasonal festivities. This recipe also calls for a base of añejo tequila, in addition to fresh lime juice and orange liqueur. Using an aged tequila allows the agave spirit to stand up to the bold herbal and citrus flavors in the syrup.

Photo by Jacob Fox / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Jessica Thomas and Susan Mitchell

Rich and creamy Coquito, or “little coconut,” is a traditional Puerto Rican drink often served during the holidays. Sometimes called coconut eggnog, the classic drink is usually made with just coconut cream, coconut milk, baking spices and rum. Some recipes contain eggs or egg yolks, but more often than not it is made without eggs. This recipe comes from Shamil Velázquez, the chef at Delaney Oyster House in Charleston, who is firmly in the no-egg camp.

Frederick Hardy II / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Christina Daley


This non-alcoholic Christmas punch is one that everyone can enjoy. This pomegranate punch is ruby ​​red and spicy and combines a cardamom-cinnamon spiced tea-infused simple syrup, fruit juices and a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Bright and tart with festive bubbles, this drink can be complemented with a dry white sparkling wine such as prosecco or cava.

© Evi Abeler

Flavor your favorite hot chocolate with a simple mix of sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and nutmeg. Dark chocolate cocoa powder is preferred in this rich winter treat. Mix a portion of spice mix in advance for a warm and cozy Mexican hot chocolate and you will have a cup of spicy cheerfulness in no time.

Eva Kolenko


This spicy version of a classic Old fashioned contains bourbon, Angostura bitters and a warming addition of cinnamon syrup instead of simple syrup or regular sugar. Following the traditional cocktail template, this variation only deviates from the classic with the substitution of sweeteners. The spiced syrup provides sweetness, complex baking spice notes and a rich body and mouthfeel.

Eva Kolenko


This coffee shop-worthy gingerbread latte combines brewed espresso with ground ginger, molasses, homemade cinnamon syrup and steamed whole milk. This comforting coffee drink is made to mimic freshly baked gingerbread with complex layers of warming, spiced notes.