Orange Blossom and Cinnamon Drink

Introduction

Orange blossom water and two forms of cinnamon give this drink a floral, spiced profile without a long cook time. You only heat it until the sugar dissolves, then chill it in a pitcher, so it works well as a make-ahead drink for dessert or afternoon serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 L of fresh water
• 1 large glass of orange blossom water
• 2-3 tbsp of granulated sugar (depending on taste)
• 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
• 1 stick of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine water and orange blossom water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon.
2. Add the cinnamon powder and stir until it fully dilutes. Then add the sugar, and mix everything well.
3. When the sugar is completely dissolved, transfer the drink to a pitcher and let it cool in the fridge. Serve with quince jam or seasonal fruit.

Variations

• Use 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar instead of 3 if you want a less sweet drink; the orange blossom flavor will come through more clearly.
• Reduce the orange blossom water slightly if you want a milder floral profile; the final drink will taste lighter and less perfumed.
• Replace the cinnamon powder with a second cinnamon stick if you want a clearer drink with less sediment; the spice flavor will be gentler.
• Serve the chilled drink over ice instead of straight from the pitcher if you want it colder and slightly more diluted.

Tips for Success

• Stir the cinnamon powder into the liquid before adding the sugar so it disperses instead of clumping.
• Keep the saucepan over medium heat rather than high heat to preserve the orange blossom aroma.
• Stir the pitcher before serving if the cinnamon has settled during chilling.

Storage and Reheating

Store the drink in a sealed glass pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, since the cinnamon can settle as it sits.

For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before serving.

FAQ

Can you make this drink ahead of time?

Yes. It works well made a day in advance, and the flavors blend more evenly after chilling.

Why does the drink have sediment at the bottom?

The cinnamon powder naturally settles as the drink cools. Stir the pitcher before serving to redistribute it.

Can you use less orange blossom water?

Yes. Reducing it slightly gives you a softer floral flavor and makes the cinnamon more noticeable.

Can you use a different sweetener?

Yes, but choose one that dissolves easily, such as honey or simple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste, since sweetness levels vary.