Spiced Cinnamon Warming Beverage (Printable)
Warm, spiced cinnamon beverage infused with cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and honey for cozy flavor.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk or plant-based milk alternative
02 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
→ Spices
03 - 2 cinnamon sticks
04 - 2 whole cloves
05 - 2 star anise
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
→ Garnish
08 - Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
09 - Whipped cream (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and ginger.
02 - Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is steaming but not boiling, about 8 to 10 minutes.
03 - Remove from heat and let steep for 2 minutes to develop a deeper flavor.
04 - Strain to remove spices, then stir in honey or maple syrup until dissolved.
05 - Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Ready in 15 minutes but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
- Naturally sweet and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy or indulgent.
- Works beautifully with any milk you have on hand, dairy or plant-based.
02 -
- Never let the milk boil or you'll lose the delicate flavor and the drink can scorch—medium-low heat is your friend even if it feels slow.
- Steeping for the full 2 minutes after removing from heat makes a noticeable difference; it's the difference between good and genuinely memorable.
03 -
- Toast your cinnamon sticks and cloves in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the milk—it wakes up their flavor in a subtle but noticeable way.
- If you're making this for guests, strain it into a small pitcher and let people customize with honey, milk ratio, and toppings so everyone gets exactly what they want.