Cinnamon Sunset

Cinnamon Sunset

The Cinnamon Sunset is our go-to cinnamon tequila cocktail, built for golden hour and cool-weather sipping. Aged SWOL Añejo gives it an oaky, caramel base, cinnamon syrup brings the warm spice, and fresh lemon and orange keep it bright instead of heavy. It comes together over ice in a rocks glass in about two minutes. Below you get the exact pour, a quick homemade cinnamon syrup, and tips on garnish, balance, and batching for a crowd.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero: aged oak and vanilla notes anchor the spice)
  • 0.75 oz cinnamon syrup (or agave plus a pinch of ground cinnamon in a pinch)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (for tart lift)
  • 0.5 oz fresh orange juice (for round sweetness)
  • Fresh ice, plus a dehydrated orange wheel or a cinnamon stick to garnish
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Add SWOL Añejo, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake for about 12 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
  4. Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel or a cinnamon stick, warmed briefly to release its aroma.
Style of Glass to use
  • Rocks Glass
Garnishes
  • None

How to make cinnamon syrup?

Combine one cup sugar, one cup water, and three or four cinnamon sticks in a small pot. Simmer for five minutes, remove from heat, and let it steep for 30 minutes before straining. It keeps in the fridge for about two weeks. No time to steep? Stir agave nectar with a pinch of ground cinnamon as a quick stand-in, though the syrup gives a cleaner flavor.

Balancing lemon and orange

Lemon supplies the acid that keeps the drink from tasting flat, while orange rounds the edges and echoes the añejo. If your oranges are very sweet, add a few extra drops of lemon; if the drink reads sharp, add a barspoon more cinnamon syrup. Always use fresh-squeezed juice, since bottled citrus dulls the sunset color and flavor.

Spiced fall variations

For a smoky twist, swap a half ounce of the añejo for a mezcal float. For a longer drink, top with a splash of soda in a highball. To lean into fall, add a bar spoon of apple cider before shaking. For a spiced pitcher, multiply by six to eight, stir with a cup of water for dilution, and keep chilled until serving.

Mocktail version

Skip the tequila and combine cinnamon syrup, lemon, orange, and a non-alcoholic aged-spirit alternative or cold black tea over ice. Top with soda for length. You keep the warm spice and citrus lift without the alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cinnamon tequila cocktail?

A tequila drink flavored with cinnamon syrup or infused cinnamon, often balanced with citrus.

What tequila works best?

An aged añejo like SWOL, whose oak and vanilla notes pair naturally with cinnamon.

Do I need cinnamon syrup?

It gives the smoothest result, but agave plus ground cinnamon works in a pinch.

Is it served up or on the rocks?

On the rocks in a rocks glass, over fresh ice.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, batch it and add dilution water, then chill and pour over fresh ice.

Is it a fall cocktail?

It shines in fall and winter but works year-round as a spiced citrus sipper.

How do I make it less sweet?

Cut the cinnamon syrup to a half ounce and add a few extra drops of lemon.

Cinnamon Sunset TIPS

Homemade Cinnamon Syrup & Garnish Pop

For the best flavor, make your cinnamon syrup by gently simmering cinnamon sticks in agave syrup and water—this creates a richer, more authentic spice profile than just mixing cinnamon powder. When garnishing, lightly toast the dehydrated orange wheel to release its oils and deepen its aroma, or use a cinnamon stick that you’ve briefly warmed to bring out its spicy scent.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$124.99

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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