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Make homemade cinnamon simple syrup with just a few basic ingredients! This easy simple syrup recipe is full of cinnamon and vanilla flavor. It’s perfect for fall coffee drinks, cocktails and cozy breakfasts.
Today I’m showing you how to make a cinnamon simple syrup that can be used in all sorts of delightful recipes. I use it in autumn-y lattes and cocktails, as well as in cozy breakfasts and desserts. Simple syrup is super easy to make an a versatile liquid sweetener that’s handy to have in your fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Simple Syrup Recipe
- Easy. Just combine a few basic ingredients in a small saucepan, simmer, then cool and store. It’s that easy!
- Flavorful. This simple syrup recipe has intense cinnamon flavor with a hint of vanilla. It’s perfect for adding cinnamon notes to your recipes. I use it as “cinnamon dolce syrup” when I make a copycat Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte at home.
- Flexible. Want to make a basic simple syrup? Swap the brown sugar for white sugar, then leave out the cinnamon and vanilla. Want to experiment with other flavor combos? You can also add spices like whole cloves, all spice and even star anise.
What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup, as the name suggests, is a basic syrup made from just two simple ingredients: sugar and water. The ratio for simple syrup is 1:1. This means that for every 1 cup of water you will use 1 cup of sugar. For this recipe we are modifying a basic simple syrup recipe by using brown sugar, and also adding cinnamon sticks plus vanilla extract.
Simple syrup is particularly useful when making iced beverages because it dissolves easily in cold liquid, unlike granulated sugar. But it is also fun to use in hot drinks and other culinary endeavors because you can infuse it with fun flavors like we are doing here.
Recipe Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make cinnamon simple syrup:
- Water
- White Sugar
- Brown Sugar – You can use light or dark. The brown sugar gives the cinnamon syrup a bit of caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks – Whole sticks, not ground cinnamon.
- Vanilla Extract – Make sure you add it after the syrup has cooled a bit. Vanilla extract is made largely of alcohol so adding it after cooling preserves the flavor and presents it from burning off.
Want to Make a Basic (Non-Cinnamon) Simple Syrup?
If you want to make a standard simple syrup, just swap the brown sugar for an equal amount of white sugar, then leave out the cinnamon sticks and vanilla. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed below. 🙂
How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
The process for making cinnamon flavored simple syrup is straightforward:
- Combine everything except the vanilla. Place the water, both sugars and cinnamon sticks in a medium pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved into the liquid.
- Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Add vanilla. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Store. Pour your cinnamon simple syrup into an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Ways to Use It
- Cocktails & cold drinks. Since it dissolves easily in cold liquids, you won’t end up with undissolved sugar at the bottom of your glass. This ensures even sweetness throughout the drink.
- Lattes & coffee drinks. Because you can infuse simple syrup with different flavors it’s perfect for adding depth to homemade coffee drinks. I use this “cinnamon dolce syrup” to make a Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte at home.
- Instead of Maple Syrup. Pour it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast instead of maple syrup.
- On ice cream. You can also use it as a drizzle for ice cream or yogurt.
How to Store Simple Syrup
Allow your cinnamon simple syrup to cool to room temperature then transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle with a tight-sealing cap. Make sure your container is clean to avoid contaminating your syrup. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month, giving the syrup a gentle shake or stir before each use.
More Resources
- How to Make Cinnamon Sugar
- How Much Juice Is in One Lemon?
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine water, sugars and cinnamon. In a small saucepan, combine the water, both sugars and the cinnamon sticks.
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool. Allow the simple syrup to cool for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon and add vanilla. Remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the vanilla.
- Store. Pour into a small airtight container like a lidded mason jar and store in the fridge.