Cinnamon Sugar

Cinnamon sugar is a blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon that adds both sweetness and warm spice to cocktails. This delicious combination is often used to rim glasses, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to drinks. It can also be stirred directly into cocktails, where it dissolves to create a subtly spiced sweetness that enhances everything from fall margaritas to creamy dessert drinks. The warmth of cinnamon pairs beautifully with spirits like whiskey, rum, and tequila, making cinnamon sugar a versatile addition for seasonal and festive cocktails.

If you’re out of cinnamon sugar or want to try different flavor combinations, here are some great alternatives that bring similar warmth and sweetness to your cocktails:

• Honey + Cinnamon: Drizzle honey and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a natural sweetness with a warm, spiced kick.
• Maple Syrup + Cinnamon: Perfect for adding a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a hint of spice, especially in whiskey or rum cocktails.
• Brown Sugar + Nutmeg: A slightly deeper, molasses-like sweetness with a warm, earthy flavor that works well in cozy winter cocktails.
• Cinnamon Simple Syrup: A liquid alternative that’s easy to mix into cocktails, combining the sweetness of sugar with the spiciness of cinnamon in a syrup form.
• Vanilla Sugar + Clove: For a more aromatic twist, vanilla sugar with a pinch of ground clove can create a warm, spiced sweetness.

While you can easily make cinnamon sugar at home, there are several pre-made options that offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice:

• McCormick Cinnamon Sugar: A classic option with just the right blend of sugar and cinnamon, great for rimming glasses or stirring into drinks.
• King Arthur Baking Cinnamon Sugar: Known for its fine texture and balanced flavor, this brand is perfect for adding a dusting of cinnamon sugar to cocktails.
• Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Sugar Grinder: This grinder allows you to adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar, giving you control over the intensity of sweetness and spice in your drinks.
• Savory Spice Cinnamon Sugar: A premium option with a bold cinnamon flavor and coarse sugar crystals, ideal for glass rims or topping off creamy drinks.

While the classic blend of granulated sugar and cinnamon is the most popular, there are several variations of cinnamon sugar that can bring different flavors to your cocktails:

• Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar: Adds a hint of vanilla, creating a smooth, fragrant sweetness that pairs well with dessert cocktails or creamy drinks.
• Spiced Cinnamon Sugar: Infused with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or clove, this blend brings a deeper, more complex warmth, ideal for whiskey or rum-based cocktails.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Using brown sugar instead of white sugar, this blend adds a caramel-like richness to cocktails, making it perfect for warm drinks like spiked cider or hot toddies.
• Cinnamon Cocoa Sugar: A combination of cinnamon and cocoa powder adds both warmth and a subtle chocolate flavor, perfect for dessert drinks or spiked hot chocolates.

• Use as a Rim: Cinnamon sugar is best known for rimming glasses. To apply, run a lime or lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. It works especially well for cocktails like margaritas, apple ciders, or even spiced martinis.
• Balance with Spirits: Cinnamon sugar pairs beautifully with darker spirits like whiskey, rum, or bourbon. Its warmth and sweetness balance the depth of these spirits, creating a well-rounded drink.
• Add to Hot Drinks: Cinnamon sugar dissolves easily in hot drinks, so it’s perfect for adding to warm cocktails like hot toddies, spiked hot chocolate, or mulled wine for extra sweetness and spice.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make your cinnamon sugar blend with freshly ground cinnamon to ensure the spice is aromatic and bold.
• Garnish for Presentation: After using cinnamon sugar to rim your glass, enhance the look of your cocktail with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or fresh herbs like mint for extra flair.