Cinnamon syrup is a riff on classic simple syrup made by infusing a combination of sugar and water with whole cinnamon sticks. It has balanced sweetness with warming spice flavor and can  be easily mixed into cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks alike.

Much like simple syrup, this recipe is made by dissolving granulated sugar with water and simmering until the mixture thickens slightly. Whole cinnamon sticks are added with the water and sugar and steep in the mixture for an extra hour after the syrup is taken off the stove. As the syrup cools, the cinnamon sticks will continue to infuse the mixture with sweet and spiced cinnamon flavors. 

Cinnamon syrup can be customized to any preferred level of spice flavor. For heavier cinnamon notes, steep the mixture longer or add an extra stick, or reduce the steeping time to 45 minutes for a more gentle flavor profile. 

This syrup blends seamlessly into hot and cold beverages, and is thick enough to be drizzled onto a bowl of yogurt, pancakes, or even used as a soak to moisten cakes. Use this syrup in a simple cocktail like a Cinnamon Old Fashioned, in a fall favorite like a Gingerbread Latte, or even stir it into cold brew coffee for added spice flavor.

What makes Cinnamon Syrup work?

While a standard cocktail syrup often employs a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar, Cinnamon Syrup leans on a 3:2 ratio since it has a longer cook time, allowing the cinnamon sticks to steep without reducing the mixture too much. The added water helps yield a syrup that isn’t overly thick after the cooking and cooling process. 

Stir the contents of the saucepan as the mixture simmers helps dissolve the sugar quickly and evenly. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, though, there’s no need to keep stirring since there’s no risk of sugar crystallization given the high water content. 

Make a big batch of this syrup and store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.