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Hot Cinnamon Drink (Ecuadoran Canelazo)

ecuadoran-canelazoCanelazo is a hot, spiced alcoholic beverage with a beautiful amber colour that is consumed in the Andean part of Ecuador, but also in Colombia, northern Peru and Argentina, especially during the Christmas season. Canelazo comes from the Spanish word canela, which means cinnamon. And for good reason, it is the main aromatic ingredient of the recipe.

6 cups water
8 sticks cinnamon
½ cup panela, grated

Mix all the ingredients in a medium size pot, except the aguardiente. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 40 minutes.

Incorporate the aguardiente and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Cook’s Notes:

  • For a lighter canelazo: add 1 oz of aguardiente to each glass of canelazo.
  • For a standard canelazo: add 1½ oz of aguardiente to each glass of canelazo.
  • For a stronger canelazo: add 2 oz of aguardiente to each glass of canelazo.