Making your own cinnamon tea is simpler than it sounds. With just cinnamon sticks, water, and about 20 minutes, you can brew an aromatic cup that fills your home with warm, spicy-sweet aroma. Below are clear instructions for preparing a basic cinnamon infusion and easy variations—like adding black tea, citrus peel, or a touch of sweetener—to customize the flavor.
Tea-making is one of those small rituals that soothes the day. Whether you share a pot with a friend or settle in by the window with a book, homemade cinnamon tea is cozy, straightforward, and deeply satisfying.
This recipe highlights whole cinnamon sticks for the cleanest, freshest flavor. The result is a rich reddish-brown brew with a natural sweet-spice profile that works well any time of year.
Best of all, it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and it’s easy to adapt: add black tea for caffeine, toss in citrus peel for brightness, or sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
How to Make Cinnamon Tea
Follow these simple steps to make cinnamon tea:
Optional: Toward the end of simmering, you can add loose-leaf or bagged black tea, or pieces of orange peel. Steep these add-ins for an additional 5–10 minutes, then strain.
Note: You can reduce the number of cinnamon sticks and extend the steeping time to achieve the same intensity with fewer sticks. See the recipe notes for suggested steep times based on stick quantity.
Tasty Cinnamon Food Pairings
Cinnamon tea pairs wonderfully with baked goods and creamy desserts. Here are a few complementary ideas to serve alongside your tea:
Dressing Up Your Tea
Cinnamon tea is a versatile base—here are a few simple ways to vary the flavor:
- Black tea: Add loose-leaf black tea or a tea bag for a fuller body and a caffeine boost.
- Citrus peel: Orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel brightens the brew and complements cinnamon’s sweetness.
- Honey or sugar: Sweeten to taste, either in the pot or in individual cups.
If adding citrus peel, black tea, or other ingredients, add them in the final 5–10 minutes of simmering so they don’t become bitter. Allow at least 5 minutes of steeping before straining.
Storage Tips & Easy Iced Tea
Store strained cinnamon tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to drink.
Leftovers make refreshing iced tea: chill the liquid, pour over ice, and garnish with a citrus slice. For summer use, freeze cooled tea in ice cube trays to add bold cinnamon flavor to cold drinks without diluting them.
More Easy Drinks to Make
Happy sipping!
Homemade Cinnamon Tea with Cinnamon Sticks
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Author: Salima Benkhalti
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: drinks, beverages, Tea
Method: Boiled
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, American, Spanish
Diet: Vegan
Description
Making your own cinnamon tea is easier than you think—cinnamon sticks, water, and about 20 minutes produce a cozy, fragrant brew. Follow the steps above to steep plain or to enhance the infusion with tea, citrus, or sweetener.
Ingredients
- 8 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
- Optional: honey or sugar, black tea (loose leaf or bags), orange peel
Instructions
- Boil water. Add water to a pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add cinnamon sticks. Add cinnamon sticks, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes, until the liquid turns reddish-brown. Optional: add black tea or citrus peel for the last 5–10 minutes and steep.
- Strain. Remove solids by straining the tea into cups or a pitcher.
- Enjoy. Serve warm, with honey or sugar if desired, or chill for iced tea.
Equipment
Stockpot
Notes
You can use fewer cinnamon sticks if you increase steeping time. Suggested guides:
– 4 cinnamon sticks: steep for at least 1 hour.
– 2 cinnamon sticks: steep for at least 2 hours.