Homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup for Coffee and Cocktails

Get in the pumpkin spice season state of mind with this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup recipe. It couldn’t be easier to make, requiring just 4 simple ingredients. It’s the perfect addition to elevate your coffee, lattes, and cocktails for the fall season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with simple ingredients – This recipe is an easy way to welcome pumpkin season and uses just 4 easy-to-find ingredients. 

Uses real pumpkin – Many pumpkin spice syrup recipes rely only on pumpkin pie spices and completely skip over using actual pumpkin. This recipe uses real pumpkin puree that provides an extra layer of flavor.

Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar to your liking. 

Ingredient Notes

• Dark brown sugar adds a deep, rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the earthy notes of pumpkin.

• Pumpkin pie spice has all the fall flavor bottled into one jar. You can buy it from the store or make your own version. I’ve included some instructions below for making your own pumpkin spice blends. 

• Pumpkin purée provides an authentic taste and a slightly thicker texture, making this homemade syrup more than just a spiced sweetener. I typically buy canned puree, but you can certainly use your own homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer.

*Full ingredients and measurements are provided in the recipe card below.  

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Add the water, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. 

Step 2: Add the pumpkin pie spice and bring to a gentle boil. Turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, whisking occasionally until the brown sugar dissolves. 

Step 3: Remove from heat and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Pour into an airtight container, like a mason jar. While I tend to prefer an unfiltered, thicker syrup, you can filter the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into the container for a smoother and thinner texture.

Expert Tips

• Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix – they have similar labels, so make sure you’re getting the right ingredients. 
• If you want a thinner syrup and less texture, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into your container. 
• If you don’t have dark brown sugar, you can use light brown sugar, granulated white sugar, turbinado sugar (like Sugar in the Raw), or demerara sugar. 

Ideas for Use 

• Use to sweeten beverages:
  • Use Pumpkin Spice Simple syrup in coffee drinks like a homemade Pumpkin Latte, iced coffee, or in my Pumpkin Cold Brew.
  • You can also swap out other syrups to make pumpkin spice versions of your other favorite hot beverages, like hot chocolate or hot tea.
  • Use it in place of the syrup in cocktails like my Dark Rum Old Fashioned to make a rum-based Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned or the honey in my Spiced Hot Apple Toddy.
  • I also use it in my Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini.

• ​Drizzle it over ice cream or use it in milkshakes.

• Add it to your breakfast like in oatmeal, yogurt, french toast, or pancakes. 

• Brush it on cake or cupcakes before frosting to help keep the cake moist and give a pumpkin spice flavor. 

• Give it to friends and family for the Holidays as a DIY gift idea. 

FAQ

How long will the syrup last? 

​You can store this syrup in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup?

Yes, you can freeze this syrup for up to 6 months. You can freeze in a freezer-safe container or in an ice cube tray. Make sure you give enough headspace.

Tip: if you use the ice cube tray, you can pop out a few cubes at a time and add them to the blender when you’re making milkshakes or smoothies. 

Can I make my own pumpkin spice blend?

Yes, you can definitely make your own pumpkin pie spice using ground spices. Mix together 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon allspice in an airtight container. You can adjust the ratios to your preference. 

Can I use whole spices?

Yes, you can use whole spices for a more robust flavor. Replace the 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice with a mix of whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh nutmeg, and a fresh piece of ginger.

Add these to the saucepan along with the other ingredients and proceed as usual. After cooling, strain the whole spices out along with any pumpkin puree solids.