Canela Tea
Warm canela tea with Ceylon cinnamon, milk, and sugar. Boil, simmer 3-5 minutes, add warmed milk to taste. Cozy, quick, and easy to make.
This recipe very simple but good. It is odd because I am not sure what to call it, so instead of calling it 'cinnamon drink' I call it canela tea, sounds more impressive :)
Submitted by: Noah Brewer from Lansing, IL
Yield: 2
- Simmer 2 Ceylon cinnamon sticks in 3 cups water for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove sticks.
- Add 1 to 2 cups warmed milk and sugar to taste; a 2 to 1 tea to milk ratio is recommended.
- Cinnamon sticks can be reused once. For storage, keep the brewed tea refrigerated and add milk when reheating.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is canela tea?
Canela tea is a simple hot infusion made from cinnamon sticks and water, often mixed with milk and sweetener. Canela means cinnamon in Spanish, and the drink is popular as a warming, mildly spiced beverage.
Which cinnamon should I use, Ceylon or cassia?
Ceylon cinnamon is milder and has much less coumarin than cassia, so it is the preferred choice for regular consumption. Cassia is stronger and cheaper, but avoid large amounts because of higher coumarin levels.
How do I make canela tea from this recipe?
Bring 3 cups water and 2 cinnamon sticks to a full boil, then simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the sticks, pour into mugs, add 1 to 2 cups warmed milk and sugar to taste. A 2 to 1 ratio of tea to milk is a good starting point.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of sticks?
Yes, but use less and expect a stronger, gritty drink. Start with about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon per cup, whisk well and strain if you want a smoother texture. Sticks give a cleaner, subtler flavor.
Can I reuse the cinnamon sticks?
Yes. After simmering, the sticks often still have flavor and can be used one more time. Let them dry between uses and store in a jar. Each reuse will yield a milder brew.
How can I make canela tea dairy-free?
Swap cow milk for almond, oat, soy, or other plant milks. Warm the alternative milk before adding and adjust sweetness, since plant milks vary in flavor and thickness.
How long can I store canela tea?
Store brewed canela tea without milk in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. If you plan to store it longer, keep it as a concentrate and add milk only when reheating and serving.
Are there health concerns with drinking canela tea?
Moderate consumption is fine for most people and provides antioxidants and warming comfort. Avoid large amounts of cassia cinnamon due to coumarin. If you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with your healthcare provider before drinking regularly.
What is canela tea?
Canela tea is a simple hot infusion made from cinnamon sticks and water, often mixed with milk and sweetener. Canela means cinnamon in Spanish, and the drink is popular as a warming, mildly spiced beverage.
Which cinnamon should I use, Ceylon or cassia?
Ceylon cinnamon is milder and has much less coumarin than cassia, so it is the preferred choice for regular consumption. Cassia is stronger and cheaper, but avoid large amounts because of higher coumarin levels.
How do I make canela tea from this recipe?
Bring 3 cups water and 2 cinnamon sticks to a full boil, then simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the sticks, pour into mugs, add 1 to 2 cups warmed milk and sugar to taste. A 2 to 1 ratio of tea to milk is a good starting point.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of sticks?
Yes, but use less and expect a stronger, gritty drink. Start with about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon per cup, whisk well and strain if you want a smoother texture. Sticks give a cleaner, subtler flavor.
Can I reuse the cinnamon sticks?
Yes. After simmering, the sticks often still have flavor and can be used one more time. Let them dry between uses and store in a jar. Each reuse will yield a milder brew.
How can I make canela tea dairy-free?
Swap cow milk for almond, oat, soy, or other plant milks. Warm the alternative milk before adding and adjust sweetness, since plant milks vary in flavor and thickness.
How long can I store canela tea?
Store brewed canela tea without milk in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. If you plan to store it longer, keep it as a concentrate and add milk only when reheating and serving.
Are there health concerns with drinking canela tea?
Moderate consumption is fine for most people and provides antioxidants and warming comfort. Avoid large amounts of cassia cinnamon due to coumarin. If you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with your healthcare provider before drinking regularly.
I’m so glad to see the recipe. This has been handed down through the ages of my Mexican familia.
Thank you! I was unsure about how to use my cinnamon quills for tea. You method and proportions are perfect!! :-) Thanks a bunch,
Kim
Canela (Cinnamomum verum) has a more inviting sweeter aroma and is used in the air fresheners we buy.
All other more harsher flavored general Cinnamon we get in the stores comes from China and is often called China Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia). Whereas the Canela Cinnamon is grown in the lower parts of Florida and the Caribbean. It Cinnamomum verum comes from the bark of a small tree.