Make your own pumpkin spice coffee drinks and cocktails at home with this homemade syrup 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. I think 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 helps kick things off.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ingredients
Making simple syrups is such a fun way to jazz 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 jalapeño, vanilla bean, and mint simple syrup. Naturally I started thinking up a pumpkin spice version once the season was close.
The basic ratio of a simple syrup is one part sugar and one part water. Here’s what I used for this recipe:
- brown sugar (+ water), because it pairs well with the warm spices here.
- pumpkin. actual, REAL pumpkin! This tends to be missing from most pumpkin-flavored things so I was insistent on using a substantial amount.
- cinnamon sticks
- ginger root
- vanilla bean paste
- whole cloves
Using the 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!
To make the syrup, 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!
You can use it 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 flavor.
- Latte: 2 shots of espresso + 4 oz milk + 2 Tbsp syrup
- Americano: 2 shots of espresso + 4 oz water + 2 Tbsp syrup
- Iced coffee: 6 oz chilled coffee + 2 Tbsp syrup + 1 Tbsp cream + ice
If you don’t have an espresso machine (I don’t) you can use instant espresso powder in a pinch. I love keeping this on hand for an afternoon pick-me-up. Just add water!
I’m in love with how well this turned out. It’ll make enough syrup for about 4-6 servings, so you won’t be left with an insane amount like you are with some simple syrup recipes.
Make it, use it, love it. #pumpkineverything
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PrintHomemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Make your own pumpkin spice coffee drinks and cocktails at home with this homemade syrup 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.
- 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
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 inch piece ginger root, peeled & sliced
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 Tbsp whole cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
- Add brown sugar and water to a small saucepan and bring to a low boil (medium-high heat), stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
- 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
Start Feeling Festive with These DIY Fall Drinks
Start Feeling Festive with These DIY Fall Drinks