Canelazo

Name: Canelazo
Prep time: 1 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10 - 12 drinks
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 8 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks; 1 medium orange, thinly sliced; 2 cups aguardiente; 1 medium lime, thinly sliced

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10 - 12 drinks Easy

Total: 45 mins Active: 10 mins

8 Ratings

Ingredients (6)

4 cups water
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
8 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 medium orange, thinly sliced
2 cups aguardiente
1 medium lime, thinly sliced

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Nutritional Information

Calories111
Fat0.06g
Saturated fat0.01g
Trans fat
Carbs29.16g
Fiber1.67g
Sugar26.37g
Protein0.27g
Cholesterol
Sodium4.43mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (10 servings) Powered by

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*At over 9,000 feet, Quito, Ecuador, has fairly chilly evenings. This strong cinnamon- and citrus-flavored cocktail is what Quiteños turn to to keep warm. Serve it as a shot at your next cocktail party, and we think you’ll agree that it’s warming as well as surprisingly potent.

What to buy: Aguardiente is a sugarcane-derived liquor that is savored for its light anise flavor; it can be found at most liquor stores.

Game plan: This drink can be made in a slow cooker or transferred to a thermal carafe to keep warm while it is being served.

This recipe was featured as part of our Spicy Holiday Cocktail Party menu, as well as our Drinks Around the World story.

by Kate Ramos

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There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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Instructions

1Combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the liquid has a noticeable cinnamon flavor, about 30 minutes.
2Keep the mixture warm over very low heat (it should no longer be simmering). Add the remaining ingredients, stir, and serve in small shot glasses or tumblers.

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