Adding cinnamon to coffee is a great way to give your morning cup an extra boost of flavor. Cinnamon has a warm, sweet taste that complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully. It’s also packed with antioxidants and has numerous health benefits. If you want to try cinnamon coffee but aren’t sure how to go about it, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Why Add Cinnamon to Coffee?
Here are some of the main reasons you might want to add cinnamon to your coffee:
- Enhances flavor – Cinnamon adds warmth, sweetness, and spice to coffee.
- Health benefits – Cinnamon is high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against disease. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Variety – Cinnamon gives your regular cup of joe an extra kick and makes it taste completely different.
- Caffeine boost – Some research shows cinnamon may enhance the effects of caffeine, so you get more energy from your coffee.
- Smells amazing – Cinnamon coffee smells absolutely wonderful as the spice warms in the hot coffee.
The sweet, spicy aroma and flavor of cinnamon pair extremely well with the bold, dark taste of coffee. Even just a dash of cinnamon can take your coffee from bland to spectacular.
How Much Cinnamon Should I Add?
When adding cinnamon to coffee, a little goes a long way. You only need about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for a normal sized 12-16 oz cup of coffee. Start with just a pinch or small dash of cinnamon and taste as you go to determine your ideal amount.
Here are some cinnamon dosage guidelines depending on cup size:
- Espresso shot: 1/8 teaspoon
- Small/medium coffee (12 oz): 1/4 teaspoon
- Large coffee (16 oz): 1/2 teaspoon
- Extra large coffee (20 oz): 3/4 teaspoon
Keep in mind that these are just starting points – feel free to tweak the amount of cinnamon to suit your personal taste preferences. You can always add more if you want a stronger cinnamon flavor.
What Type of Cinnamon Should I Use?
There are two main types of cinnamon to choose from:
- Ceylon cinnamon – This is considered true cinnamon and is lighter in color and milder in flavor than Cassia cinnamon. It’s a great choice for adding to coffee.
- Cassia cinnamon – This type is darker, thicker, and has a stronger, more pungent flavor. It’s cheaper and more widely available than Ceylon.
Both Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon work well, but Ceylon has a more refined, delicate flavor that suits coffee nicely. Use your judgment to decide which variety you prefer.
Should I Use Ground or Stick Cinnamon?
You can use either ground cinnamon or whole cinnamon sticks when adding cinnamon to coffee. Here’s a comparison:
| Ground Cinnamon | Cinnamon Sticks |
|---|---|
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Ground cinnamon is convenient if you want cinnamon flavor throughout your coffee. Cinnamon sticks allow you to control the strength and can be removed after brewing. Either way works!
Best Ways to Add Cinnamon to Coffee
There are many different methods for getting that wonderful cinnamon coffee taste. Here are some of the best preparation techniques:
1. Stir It In
The easiest way to add cinnamon to already brewed coffee is to simply take some ground cinnamon and stir it in. Use a teaspoon to incorporate the cinnamon into the hot coffee until it’s evenly distributed and dissolved.
2. Sprinkle on Top
For a gourmet presentation, you can lightly sprinkle some cinnamon powder over frothed/foamed coffee. This looks beautiful and highlights the cinnamon as a finishing touch. It also allows you to control how much cinnamon flavor you get with each sip.
3. Blend It In
Mixing ground cinnamon into the coffee grounds before brewing infuses the entire pot with cinnamon flavor. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per 6 ounces of coffee grounds. You can grind the cinnamon along with the coffee beans for the fullest infusion.
4. Brew It With Cinnamon Sticks
Add 2-3 cinnamon sticks to your coffee grounds when brewing, either in a drip machine, French press, or other brewing method. This immerses the coffee with cinnamon taste and also gives a nice visual effect. Remove the sticks before drinking if you don’t want to crunch on them.
5. Make Cinnamon Coffee Creamer
For flavored creamer, mix ground cinnamon into your regular liquid creamer, milk, or non-dairy milk. Heat it up on the stove until steaming (do not boil) to fully infuse the cinnamon. Use 2-3 tablespoons per cup of creamer. Store in the fridge and add to your coffee whenever you want cinnamon flavor.
6. Add a Cinnamon Stick Stirrer
Drop a cinnamon stick right into your cup of hot coffee as a stirrer and let it sit to infuse the flavor. The cinnamon oils will gradually seep out into the coffee as you drink. Top with creamer or milk for a cafe-style cinnamon coffee experience.
Cinnamon Coffee Recipes to Try
Once you get the basics down, you can start experimenting with fun cinnamon coffee recipes. Here are a few delicious ideas:
Mexican Coffee
- – 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- – 1 cinnamon stick
- – 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- – Whipped cream for topping
Stir brown sugar into hot coffee until dissolved. Add cinnamon stick and let sit 5 minutes. Top with whipped cream.
Iced Cinnamon Mocha
- – 1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
- – 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- – 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – 1/2 cup milk
- – Ice cubes
- – Whipped cream for topping
Combine coffee, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and milk over ice. Top with whipped cream.
Cinnamon Spice Latte
- – 1 cup steamed milk
- – 1 shot espresso
- – 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- – 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- – Foamed milk for topping
Mix steamed milk, espresso, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Top with foamed milk.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Coffee
To get the most out of your cinnamon coffee, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for maximum flavor.
- Store ground cinnamon in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Buy whole cinnamon sticks and grind them yourself for freshest taste.
- Experiment with different cinnamon varieties like Ceylon, Saigon, Korintje cinnamon.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your preferences.
- Complement cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla.
- Be careful not to overheat cinnamon as it can develop a bitter taste.
- Clean your coffee equipment regularly to remove cinnamon oils that can alter the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cinnamon dissolve in coffee?
Yes, cinnamon readily dissolves and integrates into hot coffee. Simply stir and mix ground cinnamon into your brewed coffee until it’s fully distributed. The oils and compounds that give cinnamon its flavor will infuse into the coffee beautifully.
Does cinnamon change the color of coffee?
Cinnamon can subtly change the color of coffee, making it slightly lighter/tan. But the difference is very minor and not very noticeable. The taste impact of cinnamon is much more pronounced than any color change.
Is it okay to drink cinnamon coffee every day?
Yes, having cinnamon coffee daily should not be a problem for most people. Cinnamon is generally very safe and can even provide health benefits when consumed regularly. Just be sure not to overdo the amount of cinnamon you add to coffee. Too much may cause side effects like mouth irritation.
Does cinnamon coffee have more health benefits?
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can boost your health. So pairing it with coffee can provide greater benefits than coffee alone. Research shows cinnamon may help reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and more.
Does cinnamon neutralize coffee acidity?
Cinnamon does not actually lower the acidity of coffee. However, its sweet, warming flavor can balance out and mask the bitterness of acidic coffee. So while it doesn’t change pH levels, cinnamon makes the acidity taste less pronounced.
Conclusion
Adding a touch of cinnamon takes ordinary coffee to a whole new level. With its intoxicating aroma, rich taste, and multitude of health benefits, cinnamon complements coffee perfectly. Whether you stir it in, use cinnamon sticks, or make specialty drinks, this spice will transform your morning brew into an indulgent delight. So embrace your inner barista and get creative with cinnamon coffee recipes!