Karak bil-Girfa (Cinnamon Karak)
Gulf Region
Warming cinnamon takes center stage in this cozy variation—perfect for cold evenings and comfort seeking.
The Story
While cardamom is the classic karak spice, cinnamon has its devoted following. Karak bil-girfa is especially beloved during cooler months and by those who find cardamom too intense. The cinnamon mellows the strong tea and adds a sweet, woody warmth. In some households, it's the winter karak—made when the air conditioning finally gets turned off and sweaters come out of storage.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Cold evenings
- Comfort seeking
- Those who prefer milder spice
- Winter months
- Cozy reading sessions
Pairs Well With
Make It at Home
2 cups · 12 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
Steps
- 1Add water and cinnamon sticks to saucepan
- 2Bring to boil and simmer for 3 minutes to infuse cinnamon
- 3Add tea leaves and continue boiling for 3-4 minutes
- 4Add evaporated milk and sugar, stir well
- 5Return to boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes
- 6Strain into glass cups, keeping a cinnamon stick for garnish
- 7Serve hot
Variations to Try
- ✦Add a few cardamom pods for traditional + cinnamon blend
- ✦Use honey instead of sugar for extra warmth
- ✦Add a pinch of nutmeg for depth
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
212°F
(100°C)
Amount
2 tablespoons black tea, 2 cinnamon sticks per 8oz
Steep Time
Simmer 6-8 minutes
Resteeps
Not traditional
Recommended Vessel
Saucepan, glass cups
Brewing Tips
Use Ceylon cinnamon sticks for sweeter flavor, cassia for more intense heat. Let the cinnamon simmer from the start for full extraction. Some add both cardamom and cinnamon for a fuller spice profile.