Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea has been a cultural tradition in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times. Learn to make this tea, which is simple to make with Mexican cinnamon, honey, lime juice, and water. The result is a soothing and excellent healthy beverage that will warm your spirits!

History of Teas in Mexico

Mexico has a rich tradition of using various herbs and plants for medicinal purposes since the Aztecs. While not all teas may have extensive scientific backing, many traditional Mexican teas offer health benefits. Back in the day, when Western medicine was more challenging to obtain in small towns of Mexico, people used to resource herbs and plants for discomfort and mild illnesses for lack of medication. Even today, we still consume many teas when we feel a little under the weather or during flu season.

In This Post

• History of Teas in Mexico
• Frequently asked questions about Cinnamon Tea.
• How to Make Cinnamon Tea
• What to Serve with Cinnamon Tea (Té de Canela)
• More Authentic Mexican Food Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

One notable example of Mexican tea is "té de canela," which is cinnamon tea. Cinnamon is a common spice in Mexican cuisine, and its aromatic and slightly sweet flavor is a popular choice for tea, often enjoyed on its own or blended with other ingredients. It is typical to drink a warm cup of cinnamon tea as a relaxation aid; some people find its warm and soothing qualities to be calming. Others, like myself, like to enjoy it for the sweet combination of Mexican cinnamon, honey, and a squeeze of lemon or lime. 

Whether seeking comfort, relaxation, or specific health benefits, a warm cup of tea can be a delightful and versatile beverage.

Frequently asked questions about Cinnamon Tea.

Before I share my recipe, I will answer the questions I usually get about this homemade recipe.

What is Mexican Cinnamon?

Mexican cinnamon, also known as Canela, is a type of cinnamon that was introduced to Mexico during the Columbian Exchange. During this time, many ingredients like plants and animals were exchanged in different parts of the world. As part of this exchange,  spices, like cinnamon, were introduced to the Americas. Once in Mexico, cinnamon adapted to the local climate and became a part of the country's agricultural landscape. 

Today, Mexican cinnamon grows in trees in certain tropical regions of the country. After the cinnamon bark is harvested, it is used in Mexican cuisine to add a warm and sweet flavor to various dishes and beverages. It's important to note that while Mexican cinnamon is related to the more common cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), it has a slightly different flavor profile and is considered by some to be of higher quality.

What is the difference between Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon Cinnamon?

There are about a hundred types of cinnamon variations worldwide, with two main variations. The two most popular are Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon has a stronger and spacier flavor and is perfect for savory dishes like meats and soups. 

In Mexico, we have Ceylon, native to Sri Lanka, also known as Canela or “true cinnamon.” Mexican canela (Ceylon cinnamon sticks) is aromatic with an earthy flavor and sweeter, perfect for desserts and tea. 

One thing that is important to know is that Cassia cinnamon contains higher amounts of coumarin, a compound that may increase the risk of bleeding. 

Cinnamon Tea Benefits

Cinnamon tea has numerous health benefits, starting with cinnamon, a caffeine-free spice capable of killing harmful bacteria in your mouth for bad breath and may prevent tooth decay. May improve digestion, boost immunity, lower blood sugar levels, have a potential positive effect on reducing cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure. Cinnamon may also help inhibit tau aggregation in the brain, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The second ingredient is honey, the natural sweetener that brings it all together with anti-inflammatory,  antimicrobial properties and antioxidants. Antioxidants fight off oxidation caused by free radicals, which damage your cells and contribute to diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. 

Lastly, but equally important, is the lime. Limes are high in vitamin C, antioxidant compounds, and other nutrients. They may help boost immunity, reduce the chance of heart disease, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, and promote healthy skin.

Variations of Té de Canela

There are many variations of cinnamon tea that you can try, depending on your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to your cinnamon tea for an extra zing.
• Apple: Add apple slices to your cinnamon tea for a fruity and autumnal variation.
• Vanilla: To give it an extra twist, try a few drops of vanilla extract. 
• Other spices: Crush a few cardamom pods or nutmeg and add them to your cinnamon tea for a fragrant and warming blend.
• Other teas: Some people combine black tea, chamomille, or Rooibos tea with canela tea. 

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making your cinnamon tea variations. Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite!

How to Make Cinnamon Tea

Ingredients:

• Mexican cinnamon sticks
• Honey
• Fresh Lemons
• Water

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

DIRECTIONS 

Making this cinnamon tea recipe with honey is a simple and delightful process. 

Boil:

• First, place the 4 cups of water and cinnamon sticks in a medium-sized pot to boil over medium to high heat (4 to 5 minutes).

Simmer:

• Reduce the heat to low, let the cinnamon simmer for about 12-15 minutes, and cover with a lid. This step helps to infuse the water with the cinnamon flavor Note: The water's color should have changed to a honey-amber color.

Note: The water's color should have changed to a honey-amber color.

Honey and Lemon:

• Strain the tea to remove the sticks and any small particles. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this.

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of lemon to each cup. 

• Add one cup of tea to the honey and stir well to ensure the honey is fully dissolved.

• Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.
• Enjoy!

Note: 

• Feel free to adjust the quantities of cinnamon and honey to suit your taste preferences. 
• If you feel like the flavor of the lime is too overpowering, switch to fresh lemon juice. 
• If you do not have cinnamon sticks, replace them with 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon powder.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Tea (Té de Canela)

Mexican teas are often served by themselves in the afternoon or alongside various traditional sweets like cinnamon rolls or Mexican buñuelos. For a warm combination,  try pairing your cinnamon tea with my easy apple pie, a classic and comforting choice. Remember that personal preferences play a significant role in food pairings, so feel free to mix and match based on your taste. 

More Authentic Mexican Food Recipes

In case you would like to try other Mexican food recipes besides this delicious te de canela, you can check my other recipes: 

• Concha recipe
• Mexican white atole
• Mexican rice pudding 

If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

-Mely

For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina 

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