Cinnamon Water

To make Cinnamon Water you'll need Cinnamon sticks instead of powder.

Ingredients

• Cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup of water per Cinnamon stick

Method

Put the Cinnamon sticks in a milk pan, or similar small pan. Add 1 cup of water to the pan for each Cinnamon stick. Bring the water to the boil. Once the water is boiling reduce to a low heat and gently simmer. The longer you simmer the more spice and flavour you will draw out from the Cinnamon sticks. I usually leave the pan simmering for anywhere from 15-30 minutes.

Once the beautiful aroma of Cinnamon is filling your kitchen it's time to check on the pan. Make sure that the sticks have been completely immersed in the water so that you are getting the most out of them. Once the water is a dark red-brown, and the scent is strong, it's time to take the pan off the heat and leave it to cool. I used to remove the Cinnamon sticks before cooling, but I've since found that if you leave them in while the water cools you get a stronger flavour as the sticks continue to infuse the water whilst cooling.

Once cool use a sieve to strain out the bits of Cinnamon stick, they should have at least partially broken down, as you pour into a jug or bottle.You should have a deep brown-red liquid now, and this can be kept in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Add 1 cup of water to the pan for each stick of cinnamon used	Bring to the boil	After about 5-10 minutes the colour should be deepening
Simmer for 15-30 minutes until a deep red/brown	Once cool pass through a sieve to remove all the cinnamon, which will have started to break down	Pour into a bottle and chill

Serving suggestions

Use the Cinnamon Water like a squash or cordial and mix with cold water to taste - even adding ice to the jug to make a cool summer drink. You could try it with hot water, or with something like a green tea to make your own Spiced tea. If the flavour of the Cinnamon is too strong for you, or the aftertaste too much, then I recommend using it in a glass of Orange squash. How much you need to use will depend on the quality of the Cinnamon and how strong your Cinnamon Water is. If you workout then try adding the Cinnamon Water to your usual workout drink, it's a good way of making sure that you get a few regular doses of Cinnamon during the week. I find that 4 Cinnamon sticks make sufficient Cinnamon Water for 4 workout bottles of Cinnamon laced squash for 3-4 weeks.