Winter Is Here — You'll Want to Make a Thermos of Our Cinnamon and Tequila Cocktail

This concoction smells incredible as it simmers on the stove, delivering a balance of sweet and spicy sensations — and it's easy to make for a crowd. Start with the 15-minute ritual of boiling, simmering, and straining slices of ginger and cinnamon sticks to make fresh, spicy, and soothing cinnamon-ginger tea. Choose a reposado tequila that’s been aged in steel or wood for two months to a year for the caramel color and strong flavor that will bring out ginger’s sharp bite without overwhelming the senses. Sweeten the agave spirit with agave syrup and finish the cocktail with a dash of Angostura bitters for more cinnamon and earthiness. — Carey Jones and John D. McCarthy

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between añejo, blanco, and reposado tequila?

“While blanco tequila is released quite young (generally immediately post-distillation to up to two months after), reposado and añejo tequilas have lengthier aging regimens,” writes Food & Wine contributor Vicki Denig. “Additionally, reposado and añejo tequila spend time in oak barrels, rendering them more similar to darker spirits (whiskey, dark rum, Cognac) than their blanco counterparts.” 

What are some other uses for bitters?

Once you’ve added bitters to your home bar, you’ll want to make a simple bitters and soda, or try your hand at these eight super-simple cocktails, like an Old Fashioned or Sazerac. 

What are some other uses for agave syrup?

Once you’ve made agave syrup for this cocktail, try using the remainder to sweeten your next matcha latte or cortado coffee. 

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

We have two party tricks to nail the presentation while enhancing the winter flavors. Serve each heat-safe glass with a pair of cinnamon sticks and a trio of cloves studding an orange peel segment. The garnish pays homage to pomander balls, whole dried oranges with clove studs that have long served as aromatic holiday decor rumored to repel bugs and bad spirits. Or, incorporate the decorative element with vessels of cinnamon sticks and studded orange peels in a DIY punch station, so guests can customize their distinctly warm tequila cocktail.