Kanelada: Sweet Greek Cinnamon Syrup for Drinks

An easy, refreshing syrup to make hot & cold drinks!

It’s so hot out, and kanelada is the perfect sweet Greek cinnamon syrup for drinks. It’s used to make cold drinks nice and refreshing in the summer and warm drinks sweet and spicy in the cooler months. When you serve it cold, the ice reduces the spiciness, and the cinnamon flavor shines through with lovely, warm, aromatic clove in the background. You’ll definitely want to have it on hand during the holidays to serve to guests after dinner because it makes a delicious, sweet, warm treat.

Greece has so many concentrated syrups, and we like to serve them to our guests on summer days with cool water over ice in a beautiful glass. I can’t wait for you to see how gorgeous this syrup is in person. I store it in glass jars in the refrigerator so I can admire it whenever I open it. If you need an end-of-summer or fall host gift, get a beautiful glass jar and tie a pretty ribbon under the lid. Just be ready when they ask you for more!

Why will I always have this on hand?

Easy to make,

Super refreshing

Warm, sweet

Aromatic Cinnamon,

Clove syrup for

Hot & cold drinks.

What’s in cinnamon syrup?

Water -Add sparkling water instead of plain water.

Granulated sugar -once it melts into the water, it creates a thick syrup.

Cinnamon sticks -I think you know how much warm spice this can add, and it’s so delicious.

Whole cloves -paired with the cinnamon, adds a depth of flavor to the syrup.

Fresh lemon juice -adds the bright acid the syrup needs to make it refreshing.

Red food coloring -traditionally, the syrup is a mahogany red, and just a few drops add to the beautiful color.

Geranium leaves (Arbaroriza) -optional. If you want to add to the aroma of the syrup, add two leaves along with the lemon and food coloring.

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How do I make the syrup?

Add all of the ingredients except the lemon juice and food coloring to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 30 minutes.

When do I add the lemon?

Skim the foam that rises to the top when it starts boiling. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and food coloring.

How do I store cinnamon syrup?

Allow to cool completely, and then remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Transfer to jars and refrigerate until ready to use.

How do I make the drinks?

Fill a glass/cup a quarter to a third (depending on how sweet you like) of the way up with syrup. Top off with water. Add ice to the cup before topping off with water if serving cold. To serve hot, add boiling water to the syrup. Enjoy!

How long will the syrup last?

The syrup will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Boil the jars to can them, and the syrup will last a year at room temperature.

Do you have more drinks?

I can show you How to Make the Perfect Cup of Greek Coffee, Dalgona Whipped Coffee, or The Greek Frappe, and I have several refreshers we make often. Try my top 3 Refreshing Greek Summertime Drinks, Mango & Strawberry Drink, and Honey Hibiscus & Rose Tea. Let me know which is your favorite, and tag me on your Instagram photos!

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