Condiments & Sauces, DrinksKatherine ZalaskyCinnamon, Vanilla, Orange, Sugar, Simple Syrup, SyrupComment

Cinnamon Syrup

Condiments & Sauces, DrinksKatherine ZalaskyCinnamon, Vanilla, Orange, Sugar, Simple Syrup, SyrupComment
Cinnamon Syrup

If you think that cinnamon should be relegated to the winter months, think again! Cinnamon adds a spicy, warm note to all kinds of beverages, and can intensify fruit flavors, like blueberry. Use this cinnamon syrup in refreshing beverages like the Spicy Ginger Mint Fizz, Sparkling Cinnamon Lemonade, or Blueberry Basil Fizz. It would also be a great sweetener for coffee or tea.

Yield: about 5 cups

Ingredients

  • 10 cinnamon sticks (about 3-4 inches long each)

  • 1 tablespoon dried orange peel, or 6-7 strips of fresh orange peel from 1-2 oranges (peel only, no pith)

  • 4 cups sugar

  • 5 cups water

  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth and colander

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange. If you’re using vanilla bean, add that in as well. If you’re using vanilla extract, hold off on adding it until later.

Bring the mixture to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it to the mixture now. Allow the mixture to continue steeping for another 20-30 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth positioned over a colander. Transfer the strained mixture to an air-tight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month. You can also freeze portions for up to at least 6 months.

Cinnamon Syrup