Cinnamon Bentley X is a cozy, spiced warm drink that combines the deep, woody flavor of cinnamon with the smooth richness of a classic Bentley cocktail base. It’s served warm, making it a perfect winter warmer or an evening treat when you want something comforting without much effort. The recipe balances sweet, spicy, and boozy notes, and it comes together in about 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) cinnamon syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- 1 strip orange peel (for garnish)
- Hot water (about 1/4 cup / 60 ml, or more to taste)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe mug, combine the bourbon, sweet vermouth, cinnamon syrup, and orange bitters.
- Add the hot water (not boiling, just very hot from a kettle or microwave) and stir well.
- Heat the mixture gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming but not boiling. If using a microwave, heat in 15-second bursts until hot, about 30–45 seconds total.
- Pour the drink into a heatproof glass or mug.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a strip of orange peel (twist it over the drink to release oils, then drop it in).
- Serve immediately, while warm.
Tips
- Make your own cinnamon syrup: Combine 1 cup (200 g) sugar, 1 cup (240 ml) water, and 2–3 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stir until sugar dissolves, then let it steep for 30 minutes. Strain and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. This gives a fresher, more aromatic flavor than store-bought syrup.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a drier drink, reduce the cinnamon syrup to 1/4 oz (7 ml) or skip it and use a cinnamon stick steeped in the hot water instead. Conversely, add a touch more syrup for a dessert-like drink.
- Don’t boil: Boiling the alcohol will evaporate some of the spirit and can make the drink taste harsh. Heat just until steaming to keep the flavors balanced.
- Batch for a crowd: Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests, combine in a small slow cooker on the “warm� setting, and let it heat for 30 minutes. Stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm drink in a heatproof glass or a ceramic mug, garnished with the cinnamon stick and orange peel. It pairs beautifully with spiced cookies, gingerbread, or a slice of apple pie. For a cozy evening, serve it alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar and dried figs. It’s also a lovely after-dinner drink instead of coffee.
Variations
- Spiced Bentley X: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a star anise to the heating step for extra warmth.
- Vanilla Cinnamon Bentley X: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract after heating.
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace the bourbon and vermouth with 2 oz (60 ml) strong brewed chai tea or apple cider, and use 1/2 oz (15 ml) cinnamon syrup. Heat as directed.
- Cold version: Skip the hot water, shake the bourbon, vermouth, syrup, and bitters with ice, and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Storage and Reheating
This drink is best made fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pour into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until steaming. Do not microwave in a sealed container; use a microwave-safe mug and heat in 15-second bursts. The alcohol may slightly evaporate during reheating, so you can add a splash of fresh bourbon if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bentley cocktail? A classic Bentley is a simple two-ingredient cocktail made with bourbon and sweet vermouth, typically served over ice. The Cinnamon Bentley X is a warm, spiced variation that adds cinnamon syrup, orange bitters, and hot water for a cozy, mulled-style drink.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick? Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, but it will make the drink cloudier and may leave a slightly gritty texture. For a smoother result, steep the ground cinnamon in the hot water for a few minutes and strain before adding the alcohol.
Is it safe to heat alcohol? Yes, heating alcohol is safe as long as you don’t boil it. Boiling will evaporate some alcohol and concentrate the flavors, which can make the drink too strong. Heat gently just until steaming.
Can I make this without orange bitters? Absolutely. Orange bitters add a subtle citrus note, but you can skip them or substitute a dash of Angostura bitters or a small piece of orange zest. If you omit them, the drink will be slightly less complex but still delicious.
What if I don’t have sweet vermouth? You can substitute with dry vermouth plus a teaspoon of simple syrup, or use a sweet red wine like port. This will change the flavor profile, making it less herbal and more fruity, but it will still be enjoyable.
Can I serve this cold? Yes, simply omit the hot water and shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. This turns it into a refreshing cold cocktail, perfect for warmer months.
Please drink responsibly. This cocktail is intended for adults of legal drinking age.
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