Spiced Simple Syrup: Not Just for Cocktails

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Pumpkin spice seasonings infused into a simple syrup makes a tasty addition to your fall and winter cocktails. Spiced Simple Syrup adds both sweetness and those cozy fall aromas to foods and beverages alike.

Jar of simple syrup on a wood platter with small pumpkins in background.

Simple syrup is a standard ingredient in making cocktails. This sweet syrup is used to sweeten cold cocktails when sugar won’t as easily dissolve. No one likes a mound of sugar lurking in the bottom of their drink. Simple syrup solves that problem and blends right into any cold beverage.

The basic simple syrup recipe is simply equal parts water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Let the syrup cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a month. Where things get interesting is when you infuse simple syrup with botanicals or spices. The only limit for flavor combinations is your imagination. A few to try: infuse discs of ginger or sprigs of lavender to flavor cocktails or simply add an interesting flavor to sparkling water, iced tea, or lemonade.

Making your own flavored simple syrups is an easy process and can take your cocktails to the next level. An infused simple syrup imparts both sweetness and extra flavor to foods and beverages alike. While it is most commonly used in cocktails, check out the serving suggestions below for additional uses.

Overhead shot of jar of simple syrup on a wood platter with small pumpkins in background.

FAQs:

How long does infused simple syrup last?

You can store simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

What sugar is best for simple syrup?

White granulated sugar is the most commonly used; however, it is fun to experiment with different sugars to create different flavor profiles. My personal favorite is coconut sugar (or turbinado sugar) as it creates almost a caramel-like flavor.

Can I just use sugar instead of simple syrup?

Creating a simple syrup allows the sugar to integrate into the cocktail more easily. Straight sugar doesn’t always readily dissolve in cold liquids.

Ingredients for Spiced Simple Syrup:

Ingredients prepped on a wood cutting board.

Coconut sugar: It has a caramel-like flavor, similar to brown sugar.
Maple syrup: Adds fall flavor to the simple syrup.
Whole spices: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves are all warming spices.
Vanilla extract: Balances the spices.
Water: Use equal parts water and sugar.

How to Make a Spice Infused Simple Syrup:

Add water to a small sauce pan, and place over a medium-high burner. Pour in the maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut sugar. Stir to combine as the mixture comes to a boil. Add the whole spices, and continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Once the sugar is dissolved, turn the burner to simmer, cover the sauce pan with a lid, and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, and strain out and discard the whole spices.
Carefully pour into an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to a month.

Adding maple syrup to the water in a small sauce pan on the stove. — Add maple syrup to the water.

Adding vanilla to the sauce pan. — Add maple syrup to the water.

Serving Suggestions for Simple Syrup:

Make a Pumpkin Pie Spiced Martini.
Try using this spiced simple syrup in an Old Fashioned cocktail.
Sweeten Mulled Wine.
Add to a Cranberry Mimosa to add delicious winter spices.
Mojitos are well-known for their use of basic or mint infused simple syrup.
Make your own sweet and sour mix for cocktails by mixing equal parts lemon juice, lime juice, and add simple syrup to taste.
Add spiced simple syrup to a Hot Toddy for a fun twist of flavor.
Sweeten hot or cold teas and coffee.
Use it to sweeten homemade lemonade. Try the lavender infused syrup for this one.
Add a splash of ginger simple syrup to sparkling water.
Use it to moisten baked goods, particularly layer cakes, quick breads, and muffins. It's delicious brushed on top of warm Pumpkin Bread.
Top pancakes or waffles with spiced simple syrup, either on its own or blended with maple syrup.
Add flavor infused simple syrups to marinades.
Use herbed simple syrups as a glaze mixed with butter for roasted vegetables.
Plain or infused simple syrup makes delicious candied citrus peels. Suzanne Wong’s, Making Candied Citrus Rinds, describes this easy process.
Add it to your hummingbird feeder—much less expensive than the store-bought alternative.

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Notes:

Purchase coconut sugar in well-stocked grocery stores or Trader Joe's.

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Cocktails that Use Simple Syrup:

Hand holding a glass mug of spiced apple cider garnished with an orange slice.

Mulled Cider

Old Fashioned

Pumpkin Spice Martini

Explore all the Cocktails from Inspired Fresh Life.