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!

hand painted talavera mug with cinnamon tea, with the mug with white flowers in the background.

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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 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. Read: What is Canela? and read the FAQs below, to learn all about Mexican cinnamon tea!

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.
a pile of Mexican cinnamon sticks (also known as canela) on a white table.

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.

turquoise enameled dutch oven filled with hot water and canela sticks steeping on the stove to make authentic Mexican cinnamon tea.

Step 2: Sweeten. Not necessary, but if you like tea on the sweet side, add honey to taste and serve warm.

woman in a pretty turquoise, aqua, orange, and white embroidered floral top holding a terracotta mug of Mexican té de canela.

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

What are the health benefits of cinnamon tea? Is canela tea good for you? What is canela tea good for?

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.

Does cinnamon tea have caffeine? Does canela tea have caffeine?

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.

Is it okay to drink canela tea every day?

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!

Where to buy canela?

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

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.

hand painted talavera mug with cinnamon tea, with the mug with white flowers in the background.

Cinnamon Tea (Té de Canela)

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Ingredients

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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.

Notes

Sweeten with the sweetener of your choice or drink unsweetened. Honey is just my favorite. 
Serving: 6g, Calories: 17kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 72mg, Potassium: 30mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 21IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 113mg, Iron: 1mg