A very easy recipe for traditional Cretan “Kanelada” (cinnamon cordial), that can be served both hot or cold.

Kanelada has its roots in the mountains of Crete but it can also be found in many areas of Greece, especially the islands.

Ingredients:

1,5 litre of water

500 grams of white sugar

250 grams brown sugar

5 cinnamon sticks Natural Life

2 cloves Natural Life

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Boil water, sugar, cinnamon sticks and cloves for five minutes on high heat. From time to time we stir and fry. Once the syrup starts to thicken, reduce the heat and simmer for another 20 – 25 minutes until cooked through.

When ready, add the lemon juice, stir and remove from the heat. Strain the syrup while it is warm, allow it to cool and store it in a bottle (preferably glass).

Serve the Kanelada with hot water (1/3 syrup, 2/3 water), as a hot drink, but also with cold water or crushed ice, as a soft drink.