Pumpkin Spice Syrup (homemade!)

Make homemade pumpkin spice syrup for adding to seasonal coffee drinks and cocktails without leaving the house! It’s made with real pumpkin, fresh aromatics and warm spices. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and will make your kitchen smell like fall.

Yes, we’re doing this.

Pumpkin season seems to come earlier each year but personally, I feel like September and Labor Day are the official kick-off. How about you?

I’m definitely in the pumpkin-loving camp and you better believe I was in line for that pumpkin cream cold brew the week it was back on the menu. After weeks of 90 degree temps in Denver, it just feels good to start thinking about a change in season and this is one simple pleasure that I love.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ingredients

Making simple syrups is such a fun way to fancy up iced coffees and cocktails at home and just as the name suggests, it is incredibly simple to do. In the past I’ve experimented with all sorts of fun flavors like vanilla bean, jalapeño, and mint simple syrup.

Naturally I started thinking up a pumpkin spice version once the season was close.

Here’s what I used for this recipe:

• brown sugar to make the simple syrup, because it pairs well with the warm spices
• pumpkin. actual, REAL pumpkin.
• cinnamon stick
• ginger root
• vanilla bean paste (or extract)
• whole cloves & whole cardamom

Using whole spices adds a great depth of flavor that ground spices just can’t offer. Plus, I have a feeling you’ll be getting a lot of use out of these in the coming months! It’s kind of like a stove-top potpourri, but one you’ll actually eat.

Steps for Making Simple Syrup

The basic ratio of a simple syrup is one part sugar and one part water. To make this version, heat the sugar and water until completely dissolved then add the remaining ingredients. Simmering helps bring everything together before pouring through a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids. Then you’re left with liquid gold!

How to Use Pumpkin Spice Syrup

You can use this homemade syrup in everything your heart desires including a mid-afternoon iced coffee, a bourbon pumpkin smash or even on top pumpkin pancakes for a double dose of fall flavor. Here are a few of the more popular coffee drinks and the ratios:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: 2 shots of espresso + 4 oz milk + 2 Tbsp syrup
• Americano: 2 shots of espresso + 4 oz water + 2 Tbsp syrup
• Cold Brew: 6 oz cold brew + 2 Tbsp syrup + 1 Tbsp cream + ice

No espresso maker? No problem!

If you don’t have an espresso machine (I don’t), you can use instant espresso powder in a pinch. I’ve also used my coffee pot to brew some strong coffee (regular or decaf) and that works just fine too.

I’m in love with how well this turned out. This recipe will make enough syrup for about 4 servings, so you won’t be left with an insane amount like you are with some recipes. If you think you’ll need more, it’s easy to scale.

Make it, use it, love it.

You might also like:

• Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins with Tahini Glaze
• Pumpkin Fig Smoothie
• Jalapeño Simple Syrup

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This recipe was slightly updated in September 2022.