Homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup: Your Essential Fall Flavor for Drinks & Desserts
Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn with this incredibly easy-to-make Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup. This versatile elixir is destined to become your favorite fall companion, perfect for infusing warming spices and real pumpkin flavor into everything from your morning coffee to sophisticated evening cocktails. Crafted in under 20 minutes, this homemade syrup offers an authentic taste that simply can’t be matched by store-bought alternatives. Get ready to elevate your fall beverages and treats with this delightful recipe that keeps fresh for up to a week in your refrigerator.
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About This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
There’s nothing quite like the arrival of fall. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and of course, the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warming spices. While pumpkin spice lattes and festive cocktails become popular menu items everywhere, there’s a unique satisfaction in crafting those beloved flavors right in your own kitchen. This homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup is precisely that – a simple, yet profoundly impactful way to infuse the essence of autumn into almost any drink or dessert.
Last year, I discovered the sheer glory of pumpkin spice simple syrup while whipping up a bourbon pumpkin smash. It was so delicious, I immediately recognized its potential. Not only is this syrup absolutely magnificent in a wide range of fall cocktails, but it also serves as a perfect, flavorful sweetener for your daily coffee or iced tea. Forget the expensive coffee shop runs; with this syrup, you can create your own gourmet pumpkin spice beverages at home, saving both time and money.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and authentic flavor. Made with real pumpkin puree and a blend of classic fall spices, it comes together quickly and effortlessly. Just a few minutes on the stovetop and a short steeping period are all it takes to transform basic ingredients into a rich, aromatic syrup. Once prepared, simply store it in your refrigerator, and it’ll be ready to add a burst of fall to whatever you desire. Trust me, its deliciousness means it won’t last long!
Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup?
You might be wondering, why go through the effort of making your own when there are store-bought options? The answer is simple: control and unparalleled flavor. Commercial syrups often contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugar. When you make it yourself, you dictate the quality of ingredients, ensuring a truly authentic and wholesome taste. The real pumpkin puree and fresh spices create a depth of flavor that a synthetic syrup can’t replicate.
Beyond taste, there’s the satisfaction of crafting something delicious from scratch. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective! A single batch of this syrup yields enough to last for a week, allowing you to enjoy gourmet pumpkin spice drinks and treats without the premium price tag. You can customize the sweetness and spice levels to your preference, making it truly yours. Whether you use 100% canned pumpkin puree or even your own homemade pumpkin puree, the result is a vibrant, genuine pumpkin spice flavor that will make your fall season even more delightful.
Key Ingredients for Your Fall Simple Syrup
Crafting this flavorful syrup requires only a handful of readily available ingredients:
- Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show. It’s crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the balance of your simple syrup. Pure pumpkin puree provides the authentic, earthy pumpkin flavor we’re looking for. If you’re feeling ambitious and have pumpkins on hand, making your own homemade pumpkin puree is a fantastic option and often yields the best results. You can find my detailed guide on how to make pumpkin puree here.
- Water: Simple tap water is all you need to create the liquid base for our syrup.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar is the standard for simple syrups, providing clean sweetness. However, if you prefer a richer, slightly caramel-like undertone, light brown sugar can be an excellent substitute, adding another layer of autumnal depth to your syrup.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is what truly defines the “pumpkin spice” experience. While I typically opt for a quality store-bought blend for convenience, you can certainly make your own. A good pumpkin pie spice blend typically features a warming combination of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and nutmeg. These spices are essential for that comforting, aromatic flavor profile. You can explore my pumpkin pie spice recipe if you wish to blend your own.
everyday seasonal: fall
With seasonal fall recipes, a comprehensive produce guide, and more, this is the cookbook to help you celebrate the season.
Essential Equipment for Simple Syrup Making
You don’t need a lot of specialized tools to create this delightful simple syrup. A few kitchen staples will do the trick:
- Saucepan with a Lid: A good quality saucepan is essential. The lid is particularly important for the steeping process, as it helps trap the aromatic steam and infuses the flavors deeply into the syrup, creating a richer, more complex profile.
- Wooden Spoon or Whisk: For stirring your ingredients together and ensuring the sugar dissolves completely without scorching.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: This is a must-have for achieving a smooth, clear simple syrup. It effectively separates the thick pumpkin puree bits and any ground spice particles, preventing a grainy texture in your final product.
- Airtight Container: Once your syrup is ready and cooled, an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a swing-top bottle, is perfect for storage. This keeps your syrup fresh and prevents it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
Crafting Your Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this pumpkin spice simple syrup is incredibly straightforward, broken down into three easy steps:
Step 1: Combine and Boil
Begin by combining all your ingredients – pumpkin puree, water, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice – in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture gently but consistently until the sugar fully dissolves. As the mixture heats, it will start to boil. You don’t need to fuss over it too much, just a stir or two to ensure everything is well combined and the sugar doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 2: Steep for Flavor
The moment your syrup mixture reaches a rolling boil and the sugar is dissolved, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. This is a crucial step to prevent the syrup from becoming too thick or crystallizing. Once off the heat, cover the saucepan tightly with its lid. Allow the mixture to steep undisturbed for approximately 15 minutes. This steeping period is where the magic happens; the residual heat continues to extract and infuse the rich, comforting flavors of the pumpkin and spices into the syrup, creating a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful base.
Step 3: Strain and Enjoy
After the steeping time is complete, it’s time to strain your syrup. Carefully pour the pumpkin spice mixture through a fine mesh strainer into your chosen airtight container. This step is vital for achieving a smooth, professional-quality syrup, as it removes any lingering pumpkin pulp or spice particles, leaving you with a perfectly clear and delicious simple syrup. Once strained, allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Achieving the best possible pumpkin spice simple syrup is easy with a few key considerations:
- Use a Fine Mesh Sieve: This is arguably the most important tip for a silky-smooth syrup. The finer the mesh of your sieve, the more effectively it will capture any tiny particles of ground spices and pumpkin pulp, ensuring your syrup is perfectly clear and enjoyable without any grainy texture. While a coffee filter can work, be prepared for a very slow straining process.
- 100% Pumpkin Puree Only: Reiterating this point because it’s vital! Pumpkin pie filling contains sweeteners and spices that are not suitable for this recipe, leading to an overly sweet or unbalanced flavor. Always choose unadulterated 100% pumpkin puree.
- Don’t Overcook: Simple syrups thicken as they cool. Overcooking can lead to a syrup that’s too thick or, even worse, prone to crystallization. As soon as it boils and the sugar is dissolved, remove it from the heat.
- Add a Touch of Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, consider stirring in about 1 teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract after the syrup has steeped and been strained. This complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your preference. If you like a bolder spice flavor, add a little extra. Similarly, if you prefer it less sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar, though a certain amount is necessary for the syrup consistency.
For some killer pumpkin cocktail recipes: Pumpkin Bourbon Hot Chocolate / Bourbon Pumpkin Smash / Pumpkin Pie Mimosa / Pumpkin Bang
Storing Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
Proper storage is key to extending the life of your delicious homemade syrup. Once you’ve strained the mixture, it’s essential to let it cool completely to room temperature before transferring it. Pour the cooled syrup into a clean, airtight container, such as a glass bottle or mason jar. Storing it in an airtight container prevents oxidation and keeps unwanted refrigerator odors from affecting its delicate flavor. Always refrigerate your syrup to maintain freshness and inhibit bacterial growth.
Shelf Life of Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
Due to the presence of real pumpkin puree and water, this pumpkin spice simple syrup is best enjoyed within a week when stored correctly in the refrigerator. While the sugar acts as a preservative, the natural ingredients mean it won’t last as long as a plain simple syrup. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like an off smell, discoloration, or mold, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch. But honestly, with how versatile and delicious it is, it’s unlikely to last even that long!
Need some more inspiration for happy hour? Check out my booze recipes page!
Creative Ways to Use Your Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
The possibilities for using this homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup are endless! Beyond its obvious applications in cocktails, this syrup can elevate a multitude of dishes and drinks. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate this fall-tastic flavor:
In Drinks:
- Coffee & Tea: Replace your regular sugar with this syrup for an instant pumpkin spice latte or a fragrant spiced tea. It’s the simplest way to get that coveted coffee shop flavor right at home. It’s also fantastic in iced coffee for a cool, autumnal treat.
- Cocktails: As mentioned, it’s a game-changer for fall cocktails! Try it in a Bourbon Pumpkin Smash, a Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned, or even a simple spiced rum punch.
- Mocktails & Lemonade: Add a festive twist to non-alcoholic beverages. Stir it into sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing pumpkin spice soda, or mix it into a homemade lemonade for a unique seasonal flavor.
- Smoothies & Milkshakes: Blend a tablespoon or two into your morning smoothie or a rich vanilla milkshake for an unexpected burst of fall flavor. It’s a delicious alternative to other sweeteners like honey or agave.
In Desserts & Breakfast:
- Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle it generously over vanilla bean, espresso, or even plain pumpkin ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Cake Glaze/Brush: Lightly brush your favorite vanilla or spice cake layers with the syrup before frosting. This adds moisture and an incredible depth of pumpkin spice flavor.
- Breakfast Staples: Pour it over stacks of fluffy pancakes, golden French toast, or crispy waffles instead of maple syrup. It also makes a wonderful addition to your morning oatmeal or yogurt parfait.
I hope you thoroughly enjoy making and using this homemade pumpkin spice syrup throughout the fall season and beyond! If you do give this recipe a try, please take a moment to leave a rating or a comment below. Your feedback means the world to me, and I always love hearing about your culinary adventures. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have!
And for those who love to share their creations, be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. It’s truly my favorite thing to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it inspires me endlessly!
everyday seasonal cookbook
With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.
Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
equipment
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Mason Jars
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Le Creuset Saucepan
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Fine Mesh Strainers
ingredients
- 8 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups water more as needed
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
instructions
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To make the simple syrup, add pumpkin puree, water, sugar and pumpkin pie spice to a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
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Once the syrup is boiling and smooth, remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 15 minutes.
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Strain the pumpkin mixture into an airtight container.
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Let cool completely before making the cocktail.
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Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.