Kanelada: Sweet Greek Cinnamon Syrup for Drinks

INGREDIENTS

• 5 and 1/2 cups 91 and 1/2 liters) water
• 2 pounds (1kg) granulated sugar
• 7 cinnamon sticks
• 5-6 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 drops red food coloring

DIRECTIONS

1. Add all of the ingredients 9except the lemon juice and food coloring ) to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 30 minutes.
2. Skim the froth that rises to the top when it starts boiling.
3. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and food coloring.
4. Allow to cool completely and then remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Transfer to jars and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. To make the drinks: Fill a glass/cup a quarter or third (depends on how sweet you like it) of the way up with syrup. Top off with water. If serving cold, add ice to the cup before topping off with water. To serve hot, add boiling hot water to the syrup.

NOTES

• Add sparkling water instead of plain water.
• Add 2 geranium leaves (Arbaroriza) along with the lemon and food coloring for aroma.
• The syrup will keep fresh in the refrigerator up to a week. Boil the jars to can them and the syrup will last a year at room temperature.