How to Make Canned Coffee with Cinnamon Stick

If you’ve ever wondered how early Italian immigrants in the U.S. drank their coffee—often straight from a tin can—you’re not alone. Their makeshift method wasn’t just about convenience; it reflected tough economic times and eventually influenced regional coffee culture, especially out West. One quirky result? Coffee served with a cinnamon stick. This is the story—and recipe—behind Caffe Cannella.

To make Caffe Cannella, use 200cc of dark roasted coffee and serve it with one cinnamon stick. That’s the entire recipe: pour the coffee, insert the stick, and enjoy. No milk, no sugar, just bold coffee and spice.

What Is Caffe Cannella?

Caffe Cannella is a simple coffee drink originating with Italian immigrants in America. It consists of nothing more than dark roasted coffee (200cc) poured into a cup or can, served with a single cinnamon stick. The name combines 'caffe' (coffee) and 'cannella' (cinnamon in Italian), highlighting its defining feature: a cinnamon stick for stirring and aroma.

The Story Behind Canned Coffee

The term 'canned coffee' refers to coffee poured and consumed directly from a metal can or similar container. This practice began with Italian immigrants in the U.S., who often drank coffee from empty cans due to limited resources. It was a practical, if humble, solution—and a clear sign of their socioeconomic situation at the time.

As these immigrants moved westward, the habit traveled with them. Over time, it contributed to the development of sturdy, handled coffee cups in the American West—distinct from the beer stein-inspired cups seen in urban bars. To this day, many Americans still prefer drinking coffee from a cup without a saucer, a small cultural echo of those early days.

How to Make Caffe Cannella

Making Caffe Cannella is straightforward. You only need two ingredients:

• 200cc of dark roasted coffee
• 1 cinnamon stick

Brew your coffee using your preferred method—whether that’s espresso, moka pot, or another technique. Pour the 200cc of brewed coffee into a cup or mug. Then, simply insert the cinnamon stick into the coffee. You can stir with it or let it infuse lightly. That’s it. Serve as is, typically without milk or sugar.

The cinnamon stick is both a stirring tool and a flavor enhancer. While the original recipe doesn’t specify a roast level, a dark roast is traditional in this style, complementing the spice.

Recommended Coffee Beans for This Recipe

For Caffe Cannella, a dark roasted coffee brings out the best pairing with cinnamon. Consider using a blend or single origin with bold, low-acid profiles. For example, FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling offers deep, spicy notes with herbal and dark chocolate tones, ideal for this style. Alternatively, their Brazil Queen Manor provides balanced, nutty and cacao-rich flavours with sweet caramel undertones, working smoothly with the warmth of cinnamon. For a classic espresso base, their Specialty Blend delivers the familiar Italian-style taste that echoes the immigrant roots of this drink. All three options highlight the drink’s rustic charm without overpowering the cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caffe Cannella?

Caffe Cannella is a traditional coffee drink made by pouring 200cc of dark roasted coffee into a cup or can and serving it with a single cinnamon stick. It originated with Italian immigrants in the United States and highlights simplicity and spice.

Do you need milk or sugar for Caffe Cannella?

No, Caffe Cannella is traditionally served without milk or sugar. The cinnamon stick adds aroma and a mild flavor, and the coffee is meant to be enjoyed as is—typically black.

Can I use any type of coffee for Caffe Cannella?

While the original recipe doesn’t specify, a dark roasted coffee is commonly used. Its bold, low-acidity profile complements the cinnamon. Medium roasts can work too, but may offer a different balance.

Is Caffe Cannella the same as canned coffee today?

Not exactly. Originally, 'canned coffee' referred to coffee drunk from actual metal cans by Italian immigrants due to hardship. Today, the term might refer to ready-to-drink canned coffee, but Caffe Cannella is specifically the 200cc coffee with cinnamon stick recipe.

What’s the origin of drinking coffee from a can?

Italian immigrants in the U.S., especially those facing economic challenges, often drank coffee from empty cans. This practice started in urban areas and later moved westward, influencing coffee vessel design in regions like the American West.

Can I make Caffe Cannella with an espresso shot?

You can, though the original uses about 200cc of coffee. If using espresso, you’d need roughly one to two shots (depending on size) to approximate the volume, then add the cinnamon stick as directed.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Caffe Cannella

For Caffe Cannella, choose a bold, low-acid dark roast to complement the cinnamon. FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling is a deep-roasted Indonesian single origin with herbal, dark chocolate, and earthy notes, ideal for spice pairing. The Brazil Queen Manor offers a balanced, nutty profile with sweet caramel and cacao undertones—smooth and approachable. Alternatively, their Specialty Blend recreates the classic Italian espresso taste that reflects the immigrant roots of this drink. All three beans deliver the richness needed for this rustic recipe. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.