Photo Courtesy of Griffin Claw.
Whether it is a cinnamon stick inside a warm cup of cider, cinnamon-flavored tea or a spicy cinnamon hot chocolate, there’s something toasty about having a mug that features that rich, sweet yet almost hot fragrance that truly means the holidays to so many.
If you’re looking for cinnamon flavor in your hot drinks, then Metro Detroit bars, restaurants and bakeries have everything you would want and more. Because of the coronavirus, some restaurants are only offering take-out options or carry-out cocktails, so you may want to call ahead and see if you can order portions larger than single servings if you are hosting a socially distant get-together with family or pod-friendly friends.
Cinnamon is a popular ingredient because it can be used hot, cold or any temperature in between. It can be as a powder or crushed as well as the full sticks. Some say cinnamon helps with immunity as well, making it a great addition to an overall healthy diet, which is especially important during the pandemic and overall during a long Michigan winter.
For business owner Colleen Robar, a Hot Toddy is a great way to enjoy a hot beverage along with cinnamon’s great scent. She recommends the Hot Toddy as prepared at The Congregation, a bar and eatery inside a former church in Detroit. Luckily for Robar, owner of Robar PR, she lives nearby The Congregation and can visit often.
“I love the cinnamon drinks at The Congregation,” Robar said. “The Hot Toddy has Bourbon, Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea, House-made Spicy Syrup, fresh lemon and served warm. You can sip it with a smore by their outdoor fire.”
Here are some other locations around Metro Detroit that serve cinnamon-flavored drinks that can be enjoyed during the winter in particular.
The Skip
This local favorite is offering two-serving bottled holiday drinks like the Kaloka Kolada (a dark Jamaican rum and gold rum cocktail with pumpkin-spiced coconut cream, orange curacao, lime juice, orange juice) or the Sippin’ Santa (a cocktail with aged demerara rum, amaro, nutmeg syrup, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice), as well as tins of Christmas cookies and holiday merch like Christmas ornaments, Santa mugs and branded gift wrapping. Contactless curbside pick-up and delivery will be available and may be arranged for pre-order on the website.
New Holland Brewing
There’s something about that taste of cinnamon in a cold brew. If you like beer with spicy goodness, then you need to try New Holland’s Ichabod. Made with real pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, this pumpkin ale seriously tastes like a sweet treat in a bottle. Even people who say they are not pumpkin-flavor fans will find themselves enjoying this pumpkiny smooth-tasting brew.
Griffin Claw
For the past seven years, Griffin Claw Brewing Company has been creating one-of-a-kind beers, and the world has responded with loyalty and enjoyment ever since. This beer maker is best known for its Norm’s Raggedy Ass and Bonnie’s Raggedy Ass, but it also can several seasonal varieties that are richly enjoyable. You can try the Screaming Pumpkin, which is an amber ale brewed with roasted pumpkin and spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger with light hops among its spicy background.
Detroit City Distillery
Bourbon is one of the specialties at Detroit City Distillery, and “The Thief” is one of its finest creations. This bourbon has a spicy flavor that comes from notes of cinnamon, lemon zest and cardamom. It also has a silky body that makes it easy to enjoy.
