Canelazo and naranjillazo spiced drinks
User Reviews
4.8
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Servings
6
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Cuisine
South American, Ecuadorian
Canelazo and naranjillazo spiced drinks
Description
The Canelazo drink is made by simmering water with cinnamon sticks and sugar until the flavors meld, then mixed with aguardiente to taste. The resulting beverage is comforting and sweet with a strong cinnamon presence balanced by the spirit. Naranjillazo follows a similar method but incorporates naranjilla concentrate, providing a bright citrusy note alongside cinnamon and sugar, topped with the preferred amount of aguardiente.
Both drinks offer flexibility in alcohol content, allowing the drinker to adjust from light to strong according to preference or weather. They are traditionally served hot and can be enjoyed as warming beverages in colder seasons or festive settings.
For non-alcoholic versions, the aguardiente can be omitted to create spicy and fragrant hot teas. The simmering time affects flavor intensity, with longer times producing deeper infusion of cinnamon and sweetness. These drinks highlight simple ingredients to create comforting, spiced beverages with a cultural touch.
Ingredients
Canelazo
- 6 cups of water
- 8 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup sugar or grated panela
- aguardiente to taste
Naranjillazo
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups naranjilla concentrate previously frozen
- 1 ¼ cup sugar or grated panela
- 8 cinnamon stick
- aguardiente to taste
Aguardiente guidelines – adjust based on you preference (or the weather)
- For a light canelazo add 1 oz of aguardiente to each glass of canelazo.
- For a medium-strong canelazo add 1.5 oz of aguardiente to each glass of canelazo.
- For a strong canelazo add 2 oz of aguardiente to each glass of canelazo.
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients, except for the aguardiente, in a medium sized pot.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes. To make the fast or cheater version you can simply boil it for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix in the aguardiente and serve immediately.
Notes
- Omit aguardiente for a non-alcoholic, hot spiced tea version of the drinks.
- Adjust the amount of aguardiente based on personal preference or desired drink strength.
- Simmer longer for a richer, more infused flavor; shorter boiling times yield a lighter taste.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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