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This warm and welcoming Cinnamon tea recipe it was both my grandmothers’ favorite holistic remedy. Learn how Cinnamon tea the authentic Mexican style and get all the delicious benefits!
I was lucky enough to grow up with two wonderful, caring grandmothers. My maternal grandmother, Jesusita, died when she was 98, and my paternal grandmother, Anita, died at age 92. Just the other day, I was thinking about the incredible lives they lived and everything they experienced. Even though they only met a couple of times, they had a lot in common and I have a feeling they would have enjoyed each other’s company.
Both husbands died young and they were left to raise their children alone. They were both strong women, fabulous cooks, and very healthy. I was starting to wonder if there was a secret ingredient in common, and then it hit me… Canela Tea (Mexican cinnamon tea)!
What is Canelita?
Both of my grandmothers drank “canelita” (also known as té de canela or cinnamon tea), as well as using the aromatic spice in savory and sweet dishes. After doing some research, I realized that there are amazing health benefits and unique healing abilities associated with this beloved spice. Read: What is Canela? and read the frequently asked questions below to learn everything about Mexican cinnamon tea!
Ingredients and substitutions
The complete list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
You only need a few ingredients to make the best cinnamon tea recipe. Here’s what to get:
- Canela sticks – If you can get your hands on Mexican cinnamon sticks, regular cinnamon sticks will work just fine.
- Waterfall – If possible, start with filtered water for the purest taste.
- Honey – Optional, but delicious for added sweetness. Feel free to go unsweetened or use whatever sweetener you like, to taste.
How to prepare cinnamon herbal tea
Step 1: Macerate the cinnamon. Place the water and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat. Leave to infuse for 30 minutes or to taste.
Step 2: Sweeten. Not necessary, but if you like your tea on the sweet side, add honey to taste and serve hot.
Storage and heating instructions
- This delicious cinnamon tea will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can pour this canela drink over ice or heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently asked questions
Cinnamon it has been shown to help reduce cholesterol; protect against heart disease; increase brain activity and help with memory loss; fight yeast infections; treat stomach ulcers; relieve gas, nausea and indigestion; increase blood circulation; help with cell regeneration; reduce the risk of colon cancer; treat bad breath; and more. It is also a powerful source of antioxidants with antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiabetic and anticancer properties. So yes! Canela tea is definitely something I keep in my holistic healing arsenal.
It depends on the tea (some include black tea leaves, which contain caffeine), but this authentic té de canela doesn’t: It’s made just with cinnamon sticks, water, and, if you want, a sweetener like honey.
Both of my abuelas drank cinnamon tea almost every day and lived well into their 90s, so I’d say that’s probably a good indication that it’s safe!
If possible, purchase cinnamon sticks at a Mexican grocery store to get the most authentic taste. As a bonus, spices from Hispanic supermarkets are generally sold in plastic bags rather than jars, making them much less expensive than at most grocery stores.
Amazon: Canela Entera – Ceylon cinnamon sticks
Other canela-based drinks
Do you like old-fashioned, all-natural remedies? Be sure to read this blog post on traditional Mexican remedies. Do you drink cinnamon tea? I’d like to know everything about it. Tell me in the comments below.
Cinnamon tea
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Place the water and cinnamon in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to the boil. Leave to boil for about 3-5 minutes and remove from the heat.
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Leave to infuse for another 30 minutes or to taste based on the desired strength. Add honey to taste. Serve hot.
Sweeten with your favorite sweetener or drink without sugar. Honey is simply my favorite.
Serve: 6G, Calories: 17kcal, Carbohydrates: 6G, Protein: 0.3G, Fat: 0.1G, Saturated fat: 0.02G, Monounsaturated fats: 0.02G, Sodium: 72mg, Potassium: 30mg, Fiber: 4G, Sugar: 0.1G, Vitamin A: 21UI, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Soccer: 113mg, Iron: 1mg
