Easy Cinnamon Tea Recipe

Name: Easy Cinnamon Tea Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2 Ceylon cinnamon sticks; 2 cups water

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Did you know that you can make tea without tea leaves? You can simmer antioxidant-rich cinnamon sticks with water for a comforting drink, instead.

It’s the perfect way to unwind in the evening, without any caffeine. You get to enjoy a cozy drink, and your home will smell amazing. It’s a win-win!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review

“This tea is the best ever….simply love this recipe!” -Jetta

Cinnamon Tea Benefits

Cinnamon has plenty of potential health benefits. Click on the underlined links below for links to the research studies.

It may lower the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon may help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels, according to the linked studies.
It may help with blood sugar regulation. A compound in cinnamon has been shown to mimic the effects of insulin, which may account for its blood sugar-lowering properties. Cinnamon may dramatically reduce insulin resistance and could lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting digestive enzymes. (This would slow down the digestion of carbohydrates.)
It may promote brain health. Cinnamon may help inhibit tau aggregation in the brain, a process associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
It might be good for your teeth. Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties may be effective at preventing tooth decay.

Important Note: The type of cinnamon used is crucial if you plan to drink this tea regularly. Ceylon cinnamon is considered the “true cinnamon” and has a distinctive, flaky, layered appearance. Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, is the more common variety you find in stores.

Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be harmful to your liver and kidneys when consumed in large quantities. (Just one teaspoon could approach the daily limit for adults.) Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, has nearly indetectable levels of this toxic compound, so it’s a safer choice if you plan on using cinnamon regularly.

cassia vs ceylon cinnamon sticks labeled in glass jars.

How to Make Cinnamon Tea

Step 1:

In a small saucepan, combine one cinnamon stick and 1 cup of water for every serving you plan to make. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Simmer the cinnamon sticks for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2:

When the tea is done simmering, use a fork or spoon to scoop out the cinnamon sticks. Then, arrange a fine mesh strainer over your teacup and pour the tea through it. The strainer will catch any small pieces of cinnamon while the tea is being poured into your mug.

Cinnamon tea tastes lightly sweet and spicy on its own, so you don’t have to add anything to it if you don’t want to. However, it’s also delicious with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of honey.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Tea

If you want to make a large batch of cinnamon tea, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve it warm or iced when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

To reheat, pour the tea into a small saucepan and let it simmer for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. It should warm up quickly.

Detoxinista Tip

Adding lemon juice to your tea will make it turn lighter in color. Watch it change from an amber red color to a light yellow-orange color right before your eyes when you add the lemon juice! (See photo below.)

cinnamon tea with and without lemon juice

Cinnamon Tea FAQs

Which type of cinnamon is best?

Ceylon cinnamon, characterized by its pale brown color and multiple layers swirled inside, is the best variety to use if you plan on consuming cinnamon regularly. Cassia cinnamon (which is more common) may contain a toxic compound that may harm your liver. See the notes at the top of this post for research studies. Cassia cinnamon comes in three varieties: Indonesian, Saigon, and Chinese.

Is it safe to drink every day?

Cinnamon is generally considered safe in small amounts. However, according to this study, even one teaspoon per day of ground cinnamon could be too much if you’re using cassia cinnamon. (Depending on body weight.) Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, has only trace amounts of coumarin, so it should be safer.

Does cinnamon tea have caffeine?

No, cinnamon tea is caffeine-free. It’s a perfect drink for any time of the day.