In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil and stir in 1 cup white or raw granulated sugar until completely dissolved.
Reduce the heat, add 4 cinnamon sticks . Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat. Keep covered, and allow the syrup to cool and steep for at least 1 hour; for more flavor, let it stand for up to 6 hours.
Remove the cinnamon sticks and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract , if using.
Transfer the syrup to a bottle with a tight seal.
