Cinnamon is one of the most beloved spices in the world — and for very good reason. Beyond its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that makes everything taste better, cinnamon is a genuine nutritional powerhouse with a remarkable list of health benefits that have been recognized by both traditional medicine and modern science.
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Whether you’re looking to reduce inflammation, support healthy blood sugar levels, boost your immune system, or simply enjoy a comforting cup of something delicious, cinnamon tea is one of the easiest and most rewarding drinks you can make at home. And the good news is, it goes beautifully with a wide range of other ingredients — from apple and ginger to turmeric, vanilla, orange, and lavender — making it endlessly versatile and never boring.
Below you’ll find 16 of the best homemade cinnamon tea recipes, ranging from simple classic brews to creative, flavor-packed blends that you’ll want to make on repeat.
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea
Before we get into the recipes, it’s worth understanding why cinnamon tea deserves a regular spot in your wellness routine.
Anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, making cinnamon a genuinely protective spice.
Blood sugar regulation. One of the most well-researched benefits of cinnamon is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. This makes cinnamon tea a particularly smart choice after meals or as an afternoon drink for those managing blood sugar.
Heart health support. Studies have suggested that cinnamon may help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining or raising HDL cholesterol — all of which support a healthy heart.
Antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects. Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds, infections, and digestive issues.
Digestive comfort. Cinnamon can help soothe digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, and support healthy gut function — making a warm cup of cinnamon tea after meals a smart and comforting habit.
Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon: Which Should You Use?
Not all cinnamon is created equal, and this is worth knowing before you start brewing. There are two main types you’ll encounter:
Ceylon cinnamon (also called “true cinnamon”) is lighter in color and flavor, with a more delicate, slightly sweet taste. It contains very low levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring compound that can be harmful to the liver in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon is considered the safer choice for daily consumption.
Cassia cinnamon is the most common variety found in supermarkets. It has a stronger, more pungent flavor and contains significantly higher levels of coumarin. While it’s perfectly fine to use occasionally, if you’re drinking cinnamon tea daily for its health benefits, Ceylon cinnamon is the recommended choice.
For all the recipes below, feel free to use whichever type you prefer — but if you’re making cinnamon tea a daily habit, make the switch to Ceylon.
1. Classic Cinnamon Bark Tea
The most straightforward and pure expression of cinnamon tea, this recipe uses real cinnamon bark to brew a deeply aromatic, naturally sweet, and warming cup. Using whole cinnamon bark rather than ground cinnamon gives you a cleaner, more refined flavor and a beautiful amber-colored brew.
This is the perfect starting point if you’re new to cinnamon tea, and it serves as a wonderful base for many of the variations that follow.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1 cinnamon stick (Ceylon preferred)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon raw honey to sweeten
How to make it: Add the cinnamon stick to a small saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the stronger and more flavorful the tea will be. Pour through a strainer into a mug and sweeten with honey if desired.
Recipe inspired by The Foreign Fork
2. Simple Cinnamon Tea
Sometimes simplicity is everything. This easy cinnamon tea recipe is the everyday version — quick to make, requiring nothing more than ground cinnamon and hot water — yet deeply satisfying and genuinely good for you. It’s the ideal option for busy mornings or whenever you want a comforting, health-boosting cup in under five minutes.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Squeeze of lemon (optional)
How to make it: Add the ground cinnamon to the bottom of a mug. Pour boiling water over it and stir well to combine. Allow to steep for 3–5 minutes. Add honey and a squeeze of lemon if desired and stir before drinking.
Recipe inspired by Kitchen Skip
3. Apple Cinnamon Tea
Apple and cinnamon is one of the great flavor partnerships in the culinary world, and this warm apple cinnamon tea is pure autumnal comfort in a cup. Fresh apple pieces steep alongside cinnamon to create a naturally sweet, fruity, and warming brew that needs very little added sweetener.
It’s also a great way to use up apples that are slightly past their best — the steeping process brings out all their sweetness and flavor.
Ingredients (2 cups):
- 1 medium apple, cored and diced (skin on)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Optional: a few whole cloves for extra spice
How to make it: Combine the diced apple, cinnamon sticks, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the apple pieces gently to extract maximum flavor. Pour into mugs and sweeten with honey if desired.
Recipe inspired by Mostly Homemade Mom
4. Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea
Creamy, warming, and gently spiced, this sweet cinnamon milk tea sits somewhere between a classic chai and a warm dessert drink. It’s indulgent enough to feel like a treat while still being wholesome and nourishing. The combination of strong black tea, warm milk, and cinnamon creates a deeply satisfying drink that is perfect for cold mornings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1 black tea bag
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup warm milk of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar to taste
- Optional: pinch of vanilla extract
How to make it: Steep the black tea bag in the boiling water for 4–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and stir in the cinnamon and sweetener. Add the warm milk and stir well to combine. Add a pinch of vanilla extract if desired and enjoy immediately.
Recipe inspired by Hello Little Home
5. Turmeric Cinnamon Tea
This is the ultimate anti-inflammatory tea — a golden, warming brew that combines two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory spices on the planet. Turmeric and cinnamon work synergistically to fight inflammation, support joint health, boost immunity, and promote overall wellness.
Adding black pepper to this tea is not optional if you want the full benefit — piperine, the active compound in black pepper, increases the bioavailability of curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) by up to 2,000 percent.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1 cup hot water or warm milk of choice
- Optional: pinch of ginger powder
How to make it: Combine all ingredients in a mug and stir vigorously until the spices are fully dissolved. If using milk, warm it gently before adding. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. For a smoother texture, blend briefly with an immersion blender to create a frothy golden latte.
Recipe inspired by Delicious Made Easy
6. Frothy Cinnamon Vanilla Milk Tea
Elegant, creamy, and beautifully fragrant, this frothy cinnamon vanilla milk tea is the kind of drink that makes staying home feel like a genuine luxury. The combination of warm spiced milk, a hint of black tea, and real vanilla creates something that tastes like it came from a high-end café — but costs a fraction of the price to make at home.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1 black tea bag
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Optional: extra cinnamon for dusting on top
How to make it: Steep the tea bag in boiling water for 4 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the milk in a small saucepan and whisk vigorously or use a milk frother to create foam. Combine the brewed tea with honey, cinnamon, and vanilla in a mug. Top with the frothy milk and dust with a pinch of cinnamon.
Recipe inspired by Brewed Leaf Love
7. Clove and Cinnamon Tea
Bold, warming, and deeply aromatic, this clove and cinnamon tea is a powerful wellness drink that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Cloves are rich in eugenol, a natural compound with potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Combined with cinnamon, this tea is an exceptional natural remedy for colds, sore throats, and digestive discomfort.
Be aware that clove tea is quite strong — a little goes a long way.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Optional: a slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth
How to make it: Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger if using to a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. The brew will be deep and aromatic. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a mug, stir in honey, and sip slowly.
Recipe inspired by Food.com
8. Cinnamon Iced Tea
Who says cinnamon tea has to be hot? This refreshing cinnamon iced tea is a wonderful alternative for warm days or whenever you want the health benefits of cinnamon in a cool, thirst-quenching format. Brewed strong and poured over ice, it’s naturally sweet, lightly spiced, and incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cups water
- 1 black tea bag (optional, for extra depth)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup
- Ice
- Optional: lemon slices and mint for garnish
How to make it: Simmer the cinnamon sticks in the water for 15 minutes. If using black tea, add the tea bag and steep for an additional 4 minutes, then remove. Stir in honey while the tea is still warm. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice with lemon slices and mint if desired.
Recipe inspired by Just a Pinch
9. Cinnamon and Orange Tea
The pairing of bright, zesty orange with warm, spicy cinnamon is a match made in flavor heaven. This cinnamon and orange tea is as fragrant as it is delicious — warming from the inside out with a beautiful citrus lift that makes every sip feel uplifting. It’s particularly wonderful in winter when both immunity support and cozy comfort are equally important.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Optional: 2–3 whole cloves for extra spice
How to make it: Combine the cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves if using, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. Strain into mugs, stir in honey, and garnish with a fresh orange slice.
Recipe inspired by Martha Stewart
10. Cinnamon Apple Tea
This elegant cinnamon apple tea elevates the classic combination by using real apple juice alongside fresh apple slices and whole cinnamon, creating a more refined and complex flavor than a simple steeped version. It’s naturally sweet, beautifully aromatic, and feels genuinely special.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 1 cup pure apple juice (no added sugar)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Optional: a sprig of fresh thyme for an herbal note
How to make it: Combine the apple juice, water, cinnamon sticks, and apple slices in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add the thyme sprig in the last 5 minutes if using. Strain into glasses or mugs, sweeten with honey if desired, and garnish with a fresh apple slice.
Recipe inspired by Gourmande in the Kitchen
11. Apple Cinnamon Tea with Ginger
This triple-threat wellness tea combines the digestive benefits of ginger with the anti-inflammatory power of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apple for a truly functional and delicious brew. Ginger adds a pleasant warmth and spice that elevates the drink and makes it particularly effective as a remedy for nausea, bloating, and cold symptoms.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Juice of half a lemon
How to make it: Combine the apple, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the apple pieces to release all their juice. Stir in the honey and lemon juice. Serve hot or over ice.
Recipe inspired by Posh Plate
12. Té de Canela (Mexican Cinnamon Tea)
Té de Canela is a traditional Mexican cinnamon tea that has been a staple of Mexican households for generations. Simple, comforting, and deeply warming, it is made with just a few ingredients but delivers an incredibly rich and authentic flavor. It is traditionally made with Mexican cinnamon, which is the same as Ceylon cinnamon — lighter, sweeter, and more delicate than the Cassia variety commonly found in supermarkets.
This is a tea with real cultural heritage and a deeply satisfying flavor that feels like a warm hug in a cup.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 2–3 Ceylon cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons piloncillo (raw cane sugar) or honey to taste
- Optional: a few whole star anise or cloves
How to make it: Add the cinnamon sticks and any optional spices to a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. The tea should be a rich, deep amber color with a bold cinnamon aroma. Sweeten with piloncillo or honey to taste and serve hot.
Recipe inspired by Home Cooked Harvest
13. Ginger and Cinnamon Tea
This dynamic duo of ginger and cinnamon creates one of the most potent and flavorful wellness teas you can make at home. Both ingredients are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immune-boosting properties, making this tea a genuine natural remedy as much as it is a delicious drink.
It has a bold, warming flavor with a spicy kick that is deeply satisfying — particularly on cold days or when you’re feeling run down.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Juice of half a lemon
How to make it: Add the cinnamon and ginger slices to a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Strain into a mug, stir in the honey and lemon juice, and enjoy immediately. For a stronger brew, allow to simmer for up to 20 minutes.
Recipe inspired by Taste.com
14. Soothing Cinnamon Tea Latte
This cinnamon tea latte is the perfect bridge between a classic tea and a comforting café-style beverage. It uses a strong brewed cinnamon base topped with creamy, frothy milk for a drink that is warming, satisfying, and every bit as enjoyable as your favorite coffee shop order — without the caffeine or the cost.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 2 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (oat milk froths particularly well)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg for garnish
How to make it: Simmer the cinnamon in the water for 10 minutes to create a strong cinnamon concentrate. Strain into a mug. Meanwhile, warm and froth the milk using a frother or by whisking vigorously. Stir the honey and vanilla into the cinnamon base, then pour the frothed milk over the top. Dust with a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Recipe inspired by Food by Mars
15. Homemade Cinnamon Orange Spiced Tea
This homemade cinnamon orange spiced tea is a Southern-inspired blend that brings warmth, citrus brightness, and holiday-spice comfort together in one beautiful cup. It is bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying — the kind of tea that fills your whole kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it brews.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 4 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 black tea bags
- 2 teaspoons honey or sugar to taste
- Optional: a few sprigs of fresh rosemary
How to make it: Combine the water, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, and rosemary if using in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the tea bags and steep for 4 minutes, then remove. Strain the tea into cups, sweeten to taste, and garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Recipe inspired by Paula Deen
16. Honey Cinnamon Tea
Wrapping up the list with a beautiful classic — honey cinnamon tea is one of the simplest and most universally loved wellness drinks you can make. The combination of raw honey and cinnamon has been used for centuries across multiple cultures as a natural remedy for colds, sore throats, fatigue, and inflammation.
Raw honey adds more than just sweetness here. It brings its own powerful antibacterial, antioxidant, and soothing properties to the cup, making this simple two-ingredient tea one of the most effective natural remedies in your kitchen.
Ingredients (1 cup):
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1–2 teaspoons raw honey
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
How to make it: If using a cinnamon stick, steep it in boiling water for 10 minutes. If using ground cinnamon, stir it directly into the boiling water and allow to sit for 3–5 minutes. Allow the tea to cool slightly before stirring in the raw honey — adding honey to water that is too hot destroys its beneficial enzymes. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Recipe inspired by Saki
How to Get the Most Out of Your Cinnamon Tea
Brew it strong. Cinnamon takes time to release its full flavor and beneficial compounds. Don’t rush the process — let it simmer or steep for at least 10–15 minutes for the best results.
Use whole cinnamon sticks when possible. Ground cinnamon can make the tea slightly gritty and harder to strain. Whole cinnamon sticks produce a cleaner, more aromatic brew and can often be reused 2–3 times before losing their potency.
Add honey after brewing. Raw honey loses many of its beneficial properties when exposed to high heat. Always allow your tea to cool slightly below boiling before stirring in the honey.
Drink it consistently. Like most natural remedies, cinnamon tea works best when consumed regularly over time rather than as a one-off treatment. Aim for one to two cups per day to experience its full range of benefits.
Be mindful of daily amounts. While cinnamon is wonderfully beneficial, very large amounts of Cassia cinnamon can cause issues due to its coumarin content. Stick to Ceylon cinnamon for daily use, and aim for no more than one teaspoon of ground cinnamon per day.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon tea is one of the simplest, most accessible, and most genuinely effective wellness drinks you can add to your daily routine. Whether you’re sipping a simple honey cinnamon brew to soothe a sore throat, enjoying a frothy cinnamon vanilla latte on a slow morning, or brewing a bold ginger-cinnamon tonic to fire up your immune system, there is a recipe on this list for every mood, season, and occasion.
The best part? You almost certainly have at least one of these recipes’ ingredients in your kitchen right now. So put the kettle on, grab a cinnamon stick, and start brewing your way to better health — one delicious cup at a time.