After a couple batches of caramel apple cider, I did a straight-up cinnamon variation. Instead of making a caramel syrup, I made a simple syrup and then added four pieces of cinnamon bark. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes and then let it steep until cool. Once cool, place the mixture in the refrigerator for about a week.
I should have left it at that, but, at the last minute, I added some a couple ounces of cheap Dekuyper Hot Damn!. It took a couple of weeks to mellow out, but it tastes fantastic now. In the future, I will either the leave out the Hot Damn! or try a vodka-based cinnamon mixture in conjunction with the steeped cinnamon syrup.
5 gallon batch. Kegged.