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Mexican Cinnamon Tea (Té de Canela)
This warm and cozy Cinnamon Tea recipe was a favorite holistic remedy for both of my grandmas. Learn how to make Té de Canela the authentic Mexican way and reap all the delicious benefits!
I was very fortunate to grow up with two wonderful and caring grandmothers. My maternal grandmother, Jesusita, passed away when she was 98 years old, and my paternal grandmother, Anita, passed away at the age of 92. Just the other day, I was thinking about the incredible lives they lived, and all they experienced. Although they only met each other a couple of times they had a lot in common, and I have a feeling they would have enjoyed each others company.
Both of their husbands passed away 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 Mexican cinnamon?
Canela is a variety of cinnamon sticks popular in Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka is commonly referred to as Mexican Cinnamon or True Cinnamon. It is not hot or spicy, and does not have a peppery kick that is associated with more common cinnamon sticks. It’s softer, crumblier, and less spicy than cassia cinnamon, with a distinctively fruity vanilla flavor.
What is Canelita?
Both my grandmothers drank “canelita” (also known as té de canela or cinnamon tea), as well as used the aromatic spice in savory and sweet dishes. After researching, I realized there are surprising health benefits and unique healing abilities associated with this beloved spice. Jump down to the FAQs to learn all about them!
Ingredients & 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 grab:
- Canela Sticks – If you can get your hands on Mexican cinnamon sticks, regular cinnamon sticks will do just fine.
- Water – If possible, start with filtered water for the purest taste.
- Honey – Optional, but delicious for adding sweetness. Feel free not to sweeten or use the sweetener of your choice, to taste.
How to make cinnamon herbal tea
Step 1: Steep cinnamon. Place water and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Let steep for 30 minutes, or to taste.
Step 2: Sweeten. Not necessary, but if you like tea on the sweet side, add honey to taste and serve warm.
Storage & Heating Instructions
- This delightful cinnamon tea will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.
- You can either pour this canela drink over ice or warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cinnamon has been shown to help lower cholesterol; protect against heart disease; boost brain activity and help with memory loss; fight yeast infections; treat stomach ulcers; alleviate gas, nausea, and indigestion; increase blood circulation; help with cell regeneration; reduce the risk of colon cancer; treat bad breath; and more. It’s also a potent 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 are caffeinated), but this authentic té de canela does not—it’s made with just cinnamon sticks, water, and, if you want, a sweetener like honey.
Both of my abuelas drank cinnamon tea nearly every day and lived well into their 90’s, so I’d say that’s probably a pretty good indication that it’s safe!
If possible, buy your cinnamon sticks from a Mexican grocery store to get the most authentic taste. As a bonus, spices from Hispanic supermarkets are typically sold in plastic baggies rather than jars, making them way less expensive than most grocery stores.
Amazon: Canela Entera – Ceylon cinnamon sticks
More drinks made with canela
- Easy Homemade Horchata
- Champurrado (Chocolate Atole)
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Café de Olla (Mexican Spiced Coffee)
- Hibiscus-Cinnamon Tea
- Atole de Avena
- Mexican Atole de Vainilla with Masa Harina
- El Cucuy (Mezcal Apple Cider Hot Toddy)
Love old-fashioned, all-natural remedies? Be sure to read this blog post all about traditional Mexican remedies. Do you drink cinnamon tea? I’d love to hear all about it. Tell me in the comments below.
Cinnamon Tea (Té de Canela)
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks, whole
- Honey to taste
Instructions
- Place water and cinnamon in a medium-sized sauce pan and bring to a boil. Let boil for approximately 3 to 5 minutes and remove from heat.
- Let steep for an additional 30 minutes, or to taste based on strength desired. Add honey to taste. Serve warm.
2 Comments on “Mexican Cinnamon Tea (Té de Canela)”
With these hot days, I bet this would be really good over ice also. I’ll have to try it.
~ Kathleen
I grew up with hot tea at dinner time. My mom would fix boil a pot of water and then add Lipton tea bags and canela. We had it through the winter and had it over ice in the summer.