Recipe

Warm & Spicy Cinnamon Tea

A cozy, caffeine-free cinnamon tea with ginger, cloves, and black pepper for a gentle kick. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for cold nights and cozy moments, even when your throat feels a little scratchy.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A steaming mug of amber cinnamon tea on a wooden table with cinnamon sticks and sliced ginger nearby

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If you've ever wanted your kitchen to smell like you just baked something impressive without actually baking anything, this is the move. This warm and spicy cinnamon tea is bold, gently sweet, and tingly around the edges thanks to ginger, cloves, and a tiny bit of black pepper. It's the kind of drink that makes you slow down, even if you're drinking it while standing at the counter like a raccoon.

It's also forgiving. Don't have cardamom? Skip it. Want it spicier? Add more ginger. Prefer it mellow? Keep the steep shorter. This is tea with boundaries, not rules.

A small saucepan simmering cinnamon sticks and spices in water on a stovetop

Why It Works

Big cinnamon flavor without going overboard: We simmer whole cinnamon sticks, then steep briefly so the tea stays warm and sweet, not astringent or overpowering.
Heat you can control: Ginger brings the cozy burn, while a pinch of black pepper makes the spices pop without turning it into firewater.
Balanced sweetness: A little honey or maple rounds everything out. Add it off heat to help preserve its aroma.
Works for weeknights: One pot, no fancy gear, and it holds well for seconds.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Cool the tea quickly, strain, and store in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop until steaming. Avoid a hard boil, which can dull the spice flavors.

Serve cold: Pour over ice with a squeeze of lemon for a spicy iced tea situation.

Make it ahead: You can simmer the spices, strain, and refrigerate the concentrate. When you want a mug, mix half concentrate and half hot water, then sweeten.

Common Questions

Is cinnamon tea good for you?

Cinnamon and ginger are commonly enjoyed for their warming, soothing vibe. This recipe is not medical advice, but as a general cozy drink, it's a solid choice. If you have medical conditions or take medications, check with a clinician about high spice intake.

What kind of cinnamon should I use?

Either works. Ceylon tastes lighter and more citrusy. Cassia is the common grocery store cinnamon, bolder and more intense.

One practical note: cassia is higher in coumarin. If you drink cinnamon tea often or you are limiting coumarin, Ceylon is the safer bet.

Can I make it without sweetener?

Yes. It's still fragrant and spicy. If it tastes a little flat, add a squeeze of lemon or a small pinch of salt to wake it up.

Can I add tea bags?

Absolutely. After you turn off the heat, add 1 to 2 black tea bags and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. For a lighter option, use green tea and steep 2 to 3 minutes.

How do I make it creamy?

Stir in a splash of milk, oat milk, or half-and-half at the end. If you want a latte vibe, froth the milk separately and pour it on top.

Can I make this in the microwave?

You can, but stovetop tastes better. If you must, microwave water with cinnamon and ginger in a large mug until steaming, then cover and steep 8 to 10 minutes and strain. Use care with the hot mug and watch for superheating. Consider it the emergency cozy plan.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Small saucepan
Measuring spoons
Fine mesh strainer
Mugs
(Optional) Microplane or grater for fresh ginger

This tea is what I make when I'm cold, tired, or suspiciously snacky and need something to do with my hands that is not eating shredded cheese over the sink. The first time I simmered cinnamon sticks with ginger, my whole place smelled like I had my life together. I did not, but the tea was convincing. Now it's my default: one pot, zero drama, maximum cozy.