• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthyish Appetite

Healthyish Appetite

Approachable plant-forward recipes.

Show Search
Hide Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work with Me
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • twitter

Pumpkin Spice Syrup (homemade!)

Filed Under: quick and easy, recipe, sweet treats Written By Leanne August 30, 2020

Jump to Recipe

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.

spoon drizzling pumpkin spice syrup into a jar

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.

ingredients for homemade pumpkin spice syrup

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.

plate with ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon sticks

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
Print

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

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.

  • Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 ounces 1x
  • Category: Sweet
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon whole cardamom
  • 1 inch piece ginger root, peeled & sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Add brown sugar and water to a small saucepan and bring to a low boil (medium-high heat), stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Decrease to a simmer and add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for 5 minutes or until the syrup is slightly thickened and reduced. Remove from heat; let rest 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a jar or glass storage container and let it cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Equipment

small jars

Buy Now →

vanilla bean paste

Buy Now →

Notes

  • The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
  • If you can’t find whole cardamom (which can be a little tricky sometimes!) you can also use ground cardamom as pictured in the ingredients photo. I do think the whole cardamom makes a big difference if you can find it though.
  • Store this syrup in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
  • Calories: 70 calories
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams

Keywords: pumpkin spice, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin recipes

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @healthyish_appetite on Instagram

This recipe was slightly updated in September 2022.

Want More Plant-Forward Recipes?

Join my VIP list and I'll send you five reader favorites! Healthy, flavor-packed recipes. What's not to love about that?

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I promise I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria says

    October 27, 2021 at 12:00 am

    Super delicious and easy way to make a fall drink!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 27, 2021 at 11:52 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome!

I’m Leanne and I created this space to share beautiful, wholesome, plant-forward recipes that are equal parts approachable and delicious.

Read More

Never miss a recipe.

Get new recipes straight to your inbox, every week.

Most Popular Recipes

  • Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
  • Basic Banana Overnight Oats (+ 3 Flavor Variations)
  • 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

Quick & Easy

Salads & Bowls

Sweet Treats

Footer

Never miss a post

Get new recipes straight to your inbox, every week.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

© healthyish appetite · PRIVACY POLICY · design by lr creative

Copyright © 2023 · Leanne Ray ·

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT