Cozy Up with This Warm and Sweet Honey Cinnamon Syrup
If you’re looking for a naturally sweet, warmly spiced syrup to elevate your favorite drinks, look no further than this honey cinnamon syrup recipe. It’s sweet, soothing, and aromatic—bringing cozy vibes to everything from your morning latte to evening tea. Whether you’re making this syrup for your fall beverage bar or simply want a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought sweeteners, this easy recipe is a must-try. Plus, with just three ingredients, you can whip it up in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple syrup keeps things minimal while packing in tons of flavor:
- honey – Choose raw honey if possible for health benefits, or regular honey for ease and affordability.
- filtered water – Helps dilute the honey for a pourable, syrupy consistency.
- cinnamon sticks – Infuse the syrup with a warm, spicy aroma. You can also substitute with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon if preferred.
Substitutions and Tips
If you don’t have cinnamon sticks on hand, ground cinnamon works just fine. Use 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and follow the same simmering process. Just be sure to strain the syrup thoroughly before storing, as ground cinnamon doesn’t fully dissolve.
To enhance the flavor even more, try adding a splash of vanilla extract after removing the syrup from heat. This creates a warm, almost dessert-like finish that’s perfect for sweeter applications.
If you want your syrup to be vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. While it will no longer be a traditional honey cinnamon syrup, the flavor profile remains rich and inviting.
How to Use Honey Cinnamon Syrup
Honey cinnamon syrup is extremely versatile and works beautifully in both hot and cold beverages, as well as some baked goods and desserts.
- Coffee and lattes – Add 1–2 tablespoons to your morning cup for a naturally sweet, spicy boost.
- Chai or herbal tea – Enhances the warm spices in chai, rooibos, or chamomile.
- Iced drinks – Mix into iced coffee, cold brew, or even lemonade for a unique twist.
- Cocktails and mocktails – Use it in place of plain simple syrup in your favorite recipes to add depth.
- Drizzled over pancakes or oatmeal – A cozy topping that beats plain maple syrup any day.
- Baked goods – Brush over cinnamon rolls, muffins, or quick breads before baking for a glossy, spiced glaze.
Why Make Syrup at Home?
Making syrup from scratch is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and flavor strength. Many store-bought syrups are full of artificial flavors, preservatives, and added sugars. When you make your own, you get a fresh, wholesome product tailored to your taste preferences.
It’s also a great way to reduce food waste—use up that jar of honey sitting in your pantry or repurpose cinnamon sticks you have on hand. Homemade syrup is also a thoughtful and beautiful gift for the holidays or special occasions when poured into a decorative bottle and tied with a ribbon.
Storage and Shelf Life
Because this syrup is made with natural ingredients and no preservatives, it’s best used within two weeks. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container. If you’re leaving the cinnamon sticks in the syrup, they’ll continue to infuse flavor over time. You can remove them after a few days if you prefer a lighter cinnamon taste.
Your Turn!
Honey cinnamon syrup is one of those small luxuries that can totally transform your kitchen routine. It’s warm, spiced, and sweet—everything we love about cozy, homemade drinks. Whether you’re crafting the perfect latte or adding flair to your weekend brunch, this syrup is a pantry essential you’ll turn to again and again.
I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!
Check Out My Cookbook, Simple Syrups From Scratch!
Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.
The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!
Check Out My Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Honey Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, filtered water, and cinnamon sticks over medium heat.
- Stir gently and bring the mixture to a soft simmer, allowing the ingredients to blend fully. If you’re using raw honey and want to preserve its natural enzymes and nutrients, keep the temperature under 110°F.
- Once the mixture is fully combined, let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the cinnamon to infuse.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. You can leave the cinnamon sticks in the syrup to steep for an additional 2–3 days for a stronger flavor.
- Strain the syrup (if desired) and transfer it to a clean, airtight container such as a glass jar or syrup bottle.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
