This Easy Pumpkin Spice Syrup Makes Any Coffee Totally Extra

It’s that time of year again when everything gets pumpkin spice crazy. Coffee shops and tea houses are stocked up on all the hot and chilled pumpkin spice drinks. But perhaps you’re looking to satiate your fall cravings without waiting in a long line. Take some ease off your morning routine by creating a custom pumpkin spice syrup that you can stir into any coffee or tea (or drizzle anywhere else you need pumpkin in your life!)

This earthy warmly-spiced syrup conjures the same warmth and homeyness that you find in a freshly baked apple pie or sweet potato pie. You know the tingling feeling that you get when the cinnamon smell seeps from the oven door? It’s that feeling exactly, and it only takes about ten minutes to make, and will keep in your fridge for weeks (though it may not last that long).

To make this pumpkin spice blend we start with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves as the base, but add cardamom and vanilla, to bring in a chai vibe and round out all the flavors. If you don’t already have these spices on hand, you can also make the syrup from pumpkin pie spice, which will be less expensive and should include most of these ingredients.

The first step is to create a simple syrup by combining water with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar. The light brown sugar creates a caramel hue and adds molasses notes, while the granulated sugar creates more sweetness. When the sugars come to a boil and the mixture thickens slightly, reduce to a simmer and stir in pumpkin puree and spices. Allow the flavors to meld together as they simmer on low for a few minutes. I like to strain my liquid to attain a super smooth consistency free from any pumpkin lumps. Once it’s completely cooled, you can store your syrup in a small mason jar in the refrigerator. Break out the syrup in the morning and stir about 1 to 2 tablespoons (depending on desired sweetness level) into your morning coffee or tea for a luscious pumpkin treat.  

Even though the syrup is meant for coffee and tea, there are a few other fun ingredients that you can pair it with. Drizzle a bit over cheese for a fancy treat or a midday snack with crackers. Brie, goat cheese, and even feta pair well!

You can also stir the syrup into Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or stir it into old-fashioned oats and milk for an easy pumpkin spice oatmeal. Smashed bananas with toast make a lovely morning alternative to avocado toast especially with a dollop of pumpkin spice syrup oozing down the sides. You can even make pumpkin spice vinaigrette with one part apple cider vinegar to three parts olive oil and a dollop of the syrup to round out the acidity.

What would you make with pumpkin spice syrup? Tell us in the comments, below!