Cocktails with Cinnamon stick
Cinnamon stick is the dried inner bark of the cinnamon tree, rolled into a quill and used whole as an aromatic spice.
How it's used
A stick infuses slowly and cleanly, which is its advantage over the ground spice. It perfumes a syrup or a toddy without clouding it, and you can pull it out when the flavor is right. Ground cinnamon cannot be taken back. Apple, aged spirits and honey suit it. A stick left in a hot drink goes on infusing the whole time it is drunk.
Substitutes for Cinnamon stick
Cassia bark
Thick, hard bark, usually what a stick sold as cinnamon in the US actually is. It runs spicier than Ceylon and swaps one for one.
Ceylon cinnamon
Brittle layers rolled into a quill. The flavor is softer and more fragrant, so you need a bit more bark for the same kick.
A quarter teaspoon delivers just as much flavor. It clouds a pitcher, and shaken serves need a fine strain to catch the grit.
Brings the spice along with sugar. Pour a barspoon at a time, and you will need that much less of any other syrup.
