Discover the top cinnamon teas in 2026 with rich flavor and natural aroma
Explore both caffeine-free and caffeinated options for all preferences
Find expert recommendations based on quality, flavor, and customer reviews
Table of contents
Cinnamon tea is one of those special treats that's perfect for sipping at pretty much any time of day. This tea is well-suited for a morning pick-me-up or an evening unwind. This comforting drink has won over the hearts of thousands of tea lovers who love cinnamon and just can't get enough of that warm, sweet cinnamon flavor.
Known as té de canela in Spanish, cinnamon tea is a staple in Mexican culture, and is often tied up in family traditions and cultural practices. It's a drink that's been enjoyed for centuries across a range of cultures, from Asian to Caribbean to Latin American - so it's no surprise that it's a part of so many family traditions.
We put together this Top 10 list of the top cinnamon teas out there by scouring customer reviews and finding the best-selling cinnamon teas from each brand we came across. We looked at a lot of factors when making our selection, including how consistent the flavor is, what kind of ingredients go into each tea, where they come from and how easy it is to buy them in the United States.
And the cooler the weather gets, the more comforting cinnamon tea becomes.
Understanding Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is basically any tea that's been made using cinnamon - whether that's ceylon cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon or cinnamon bark steeped in hot water. It's a real treat for the senses, with its warm, spicy aroma and naturally sweet flavor, making it perfect for drinking on its own or blended with black tea, green tea or herbal teas. Use some decent quality tea leaves to get the best experience. Many enjoy cinnamon tea blended with green tea because it adds a fresh, vibrant note to the warm cinnamon flavor.
Cinnamon tea is made using two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon, which is often called "true cinnamon", and cassia cinnamon, which has a stronger, more pungent flavor.
Ceylon cinnamon is light and has a subtle sweetness, making it perfect for lighter teas. Cassia cinnamon is more commonly used for its bold, spicy flavor - and it's often used in really strong teas. Cassia cinnamon contains more coumarin, so some people choose Ceylon if they prefer a lower-coumarin option.
Top 10 Best Cinnamon Tea in 2026
1) Gardenika - Cinnamon Hibiscus Loose Tea
Brand overview: Gardenika is a brand that specialize in sourcing organic teas straight from India. They are focused on keeping things natural, environmentally friendly and creating unique blends that let you taste the genuine quality of the teas.
Flavor and experience: Gardenika's Cinnamon Hibiscus Loose Tea is a real winner. It's a mix of Indian hibiscus flowers and a whole lot of cinnamon, which is then subtly backed up by a zesty orange peel. This tea tastes naturally sweet. The longer you steep the tea, the more the cinnamon starts to come through, so it's great choice if you are a fan of a bolder taste.
Brewing & Serving: To make a great cup of Cinnamon Hibiscus Loose Tea, just put one teaspoon (or 2g) of tea leaves into a cup, and pour over 8oz (240ml) of boiling water at 200°F (around 93°C). Leave it to brew for 5-7 minutes, and it will turn to a deep ruby red color and taste all smooth and balanced. This tea is just as good hot or iced and you can add a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of sugar to taste.
2) Harney & Sons - Hot Cinnamon Spice
Brand overview: Harney & Sons have been around since the 1980s, which is pretty impressive in the tea industry. They're a US-based company that's got a reputation for making high-quality black teas and expertly flavored infusions that people all over the world love.
Flavor and experience: Harney & Sons' Hot Cinnamon Spice is a real treat. Its robust Chinese black tea gets paired with cinnamon, cloves and a hint of orange peel for a flavor that's both warm and inviting. It's smooth and comforting with just the right amount of sweetness.
Brewing & Serving: For the best results with Hot Cinnamon Spice, place 1 teaspoon of tea leaves or 1 tea bag into 8 oz of boiling water and let it steep for a good 4 or 5 minutes. The result will be a lovely rich, smooth cup that's pairs best on a chilly day.
3) August Uncommon - Spicy Black Tea With Coffee
Brand overview: August Uncommon is a tea brand based in the US and they've been gaining attention with their innovative blends that combine classic aromatic spices with a bit of a twist. They are creating teas that are a real sensory experience - different aromas and tastes that makes tea lovers going back for more.
Flavor and experience:
Spicy Black Tea With Coffee takes the bold, full-bodied taste of black tea and combines it with real coffee, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon to create a spicy yet smooth flavor.
Brewing & Serving: To prepare Spicy Black Tea With Coffee, heat water to around 200°F (93°C), then put 1 teaspoon or 1 tea bag into 8 oz of water and let it steep for anywhere between 3 and 5 minutes. The longer it steeps the more the flavors come together and the better it tastes.
4) Tea with Tae - Bombay Chai
Brand overview: Tea with Tae focuses on making great tea simple and fun to enjoy every day. They're pretty keen on using the top-notch ingredients and eco-friendly packaging which allows them to create great premium chai blends. Their goal is to come up with authentic teas that are not only top-notch in taste but also convenient and a joy to drink.
Flavor and experience: Bombay Chai takes the strong, malty flavor of Assam black tea and adds some warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves to create something that is both earthy and invigorating.
Brewing & Serving: If you are brewing Bombay Chai, you need to get one of the sachets (or 1tsp of loose tea) and let it brew in 8oz of water heated to about 200°F (93°C) for 3-5 minutes. The end result is this amazing spicy cup, perfect for a chilly day or just a mid-day cup of tea.
5) Nepal Tea - Organic Golden Milk
Brand overview: Nepal Tea focuses on bringing traditional Nepali herbal blends to the modern world by using only organic ingredients and ensuring their teas are not only delicious but also sustainable.
Flavor and experience: Organic Golden Milk takes the comforting earthy flavor of turmeric and pairs it with a sweet, gentle cinnamon to create a soothing and calming flavor.
Brewing & Serving: To get the best out of Organic Golden Milk, put 1 sachet or teaspoon of loose leaf tea into 8 oz of hot water heated to about 200°F (93°C) and let it steep for a good 4 or 5 minutes. As the flavors come together, the tea will produce a lovely golden-orange cup with a soft, spicy-sweet fragrance.
6) Piper & Leaf - Sunrise Chai
Brand overview: Piper & Leaf is a US-based tea company that creates premium chai blends that blend traditional and modern elements, using only sustainably-sourced ingredients to make their teas.
Flavor and experience: Sunrise Chai takes the smooth, medium-bodied flavor of Nilgiri black tea and combines it with a touch of cinnamon, ginger and cloves to create a soothing and enjoyable flavor.
Brewing & Serving: When brewing Piper & Leaf Sunrise Chai, put one teaspoon or a sachet to 8 oz (240 ml) of water heated up to about 200°F (93°C). Let it infuse for 3 to 4 minutes. As the tea brews, it changes to a warm, rich amber color and fills the air with a soft, inviting spiced fragrance. Add a little sugar or a squeeze of lemon to taste.
7) iLola - Sweet Cinnamon Chai No. 40
Brand overview: iLola is a brand that's thinking outside the box when it comes to crafting unique teas. They create high-end blends infused with probiotics, and also Tea Discs that make their teas a real breeze to enjoy.
Flavor and experience: Sweet Cinnamon Chai No. 40 combines the delicate, slightly sweet taste of China's Bai Mudan white tea with a lot of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves that creates a super smooth, creamy cup that's not too sweet but just right.
Brewing & Serving: To get the perfect cup of Sweet Cinnamon Chai No. 40, just put a single iLola Tea Disc into 8oz of water that's been heated up to a nice 175-185°F. Let it steep for between 3 to 4 minutes, and the tea will have a light golden color that's got just the right amount of aroma. Enjoy it piping hot for a real relaxing experience, or grab it from the fridge and enjoy it slightly cooled for a delicate and very pleasant treat.
8) Beach House Tea - Maple Grove
Brand overview: Beach House Tea focuses on creating small-batch loose-leaf teas that truly capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. They use only the best, all-natural ingredients to make their teas truly special.
Flavor and experience: Maple Grove combines the South African honeybush and rooibos with the sweetness of cinnamon and dried apple pieces. The result is a naturally sweet and earthy cup. Because its made from rooibos and honeybush, its smooth and caffeine free, making it perfect for any time of day.
Brewing & Serving: To prepare the Maple Grove, just put in 1 teaspoon or 1 tea bag into 8oz of boiling water and let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes. The result will be a warm, inviting cup with a rich, spicy aroma. It is perfect for any time of the day.
9) Danfe Tea - Yak Mountain Loose Leaf Masala Chai Tea
Brand overview: Danfe Tea focuses on the origins of their tea, and it shows in the quality of the leaves they source from the Himalayas in Nepal. They go the extra mile to get the freshest, least processed black tea leaves they can find, and use these to create bold and full-flavored chai blends that really pack a punch.
Flavor and experience: Yak Mountain Masala Chai blends the robust, full-bodied taste of Himalayan black tea with a lot of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The end result is a satisfying, comforting cup, well-suited for when someone wants something warm and flavorful.
Brewing & Serving: To get the most out of Yak Mountain Masala Chai, put in 1 teaspoon or a tea bag into 8oz of boiling water (200°F or 93°C) and let it steep for 4 - 5 minutes. After brewing, the tea will turn to a deep, rich amber cup with an inviting aroma. Enjoy it as is or add milk and sugar depending on taste preferences.
10) Somage - 9 Spice Agave Fresh Chai
Brand overview: Somage is a tea brand that specializes in creating lovely artisanal black tea blends that are both comforting and aromatic. They only use the best spices and natural sweeteners to bring out the best in their teas.
Flavor and experience: 9 Spice Agave Fresh Chai blends the smooth, robust taste of Ceylon black tea with a lot of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. A small amount of agave adds natural sweetness to the tea, resulting in a full-bodied, aromatic cup that balances spice and sweetness perfectly.
Brewing & Serving: To brew 9 Spice Agave Fresh Chai, put in 1 teaspoon (or 1 tea bag) to 8 oz (240 ml) of water that is just about boiling - 200°F- and let it steep for anywhere from 4 to 5 minutes. The result is a deep amber cup with an inviting aroma. It's a perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day.
Tea Culture and History
Cinnamon tea has a long and storied history that perfectly complements its cozy, feel-good taste and scent. The roots of this tea goes all the way back to ancient Egypt, China and India. These places consider cinnamon as a valuable commodity. Not just because it was tasty but because it really was a status symbol.
These days, cinnamon tea is a firm favorite in lots of cultures. It's in Asian, Caribbean and Latin American traditions, often tied up with family rituals and home remedies. This tea brings a warm, comforting touch, whether it's drank on its own or blended with black, green or herbal tea. Some people like to add a bit of lemon or a touch of sweetness to bring it all together, which is just another part of what makes cinnamon tea such a universally loved drink.
Even for those not usually into tea, the inviting smell of cinnamon tea and its naturally sweet flavor make it hard to resist.
FAQ
What is the best cinnamon for tea?
Most people prefer Ceylon cinnamon because it's got a lighter and slightly sweeter flavor that just works in hot drinks. On the other hand, Cassia cinnamon has a more intense, spicier flavor.
What is the best time to drink cinnamon tea?
There's no right answer here, some people like to have it in the evening because it's got no caffeine of its own while others put it in their morning cup of tea when they mix it with black tea or make a nice cup of chai.
Is Ceylon cinnamon better than regular cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon, or true cinnamon, is generally milder in taste and contains lower levels of coumarin, making it a preferred choice for many people. In contrast, Cassia cinnamon is bolder and more pungent. The choice depends on the intended use and flavor preference.
Which cinnamon brand is best?
Gardenika tends to get a lot of good feedback for their organic, kosher-certified products which are always consistent in quality and taste.
Final Notes
Cinnamon tea is the perfect combination of taste, smell, and pure comfort. Nowadays, there are multiple high quality cinnamon teas available that fit every style. Whether it is a fancy loose-leaf blend or a cinnamony latte, tea lovers are sure to find one that tickles their fancy.
Explore some of the cinnamon teas from Taste of Tea and discover the perfect cup.
Behind the Cup
Further reading