Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Why You’ll Love Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

If you’re a fan of fall drinks like pumpkin spice lattes, you already know how comforting those warming spices can be. But store-bought syrups often include artificial flavors, excess sugar, or preservatives. Making your own allows for:

• Full control over ingredients and sweetness

• Real pumpkin flavor (yes, with actual pumpkin!)

• Customization for dietary needs (dairy-free, vegan, low sugar)

• Batch-making for easy storage, gifts, or seasonal coffee stations

This pumpkin spice syrup isn’t just for coffee—it’s incredibly versatile. Use it in pancakes, oatmeal, milkshakes, smoothies, or even baking recipes.

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Main Ingredients

• ¾ cup water

• ¾ cup maple syrup (or use honey, coconut sugar, or cane sugar)

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ teaspoon allspice (for extra depth)

• ⅛ teaspoon cardamom (for a unique twist)

• 1 cinnamon stick (for slow infusion during simmering)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to balance sweetness)

These are totally optional but can help you customize the syrup to your personal taste or recreate your favorite café version.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a small saucepan, whisk together water, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 2: Add Spices

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to blend.

Step 3: Simmer

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. The mixture will begin to thicken slightly as it reduces.

If using a cinnamon stick, add it now and remove before bottling.

Step 4: Remove from Heat

Take the syrup off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and lemon juice, if using).

Step 5: Strain (Optional)

If you want a smooth, syrupy texture, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar or bottle. This removes any thick bits of pumpkin or spice sediment.

For a thicker, more homemade-style syrup with a bit of texture, you can skip this step.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before using, as natural settling may occur.

How to Use Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This syrup is ultra-versatile. Beyond pumpkin lattes, you can use it in:

Coffee & Tea

• Add 1–2 tablespoons to hot or iced coffee

• Stir into chai tea or black tea for a pumpkin chai

• Use with steamed milk for a homemade pumpkin steamer or latte

• Mix with espresso and milk for an authentic pumpkin spice latte

Breakfast Boosts

• Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast

• Mix into oatmeal or overnight oats

• Swirl into yogurt or cottage cheese

• Blend into smoothies for a fall twist

Desserts

• Use in whipped cream or buttercream frosting

• Add to milkshakes or ice cream

• Glaze for cakes, muffins, or quick breads

• Mix into batter for pumpkin pancakes or muffins

Gifts & Entertaining

• Bottle into mini jars for holiday or hostess gifts

• Include in DIY coffee bar setups at fall parties or Thanksgiving

• Use as a fall-inspired cocktail or mocktail syrup (try it in sparkling apple cider)

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Syrup

• Use real pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sweeteners.

• Don’t overboil. Keep the heat gentle so the syrup doesn’t thicken too much or scorch.

• Strain for smoother texture. Especially important if you’ll use the syrup in milk-based drinks.

• Adjust sweetness. Taste while simmering. Add more maple syrup or sweetener to your liking.

• Shake before each use. Pumpkin and spices can settle naturally at the bottom.

• Label and date your jar. Especially helpful if you’re gifting or meal-prepping.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Refrigerated: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 14 days.

• Frozen: Freeze in silicone ice cube trays, then store cubes in a zip-top bag. Perfect for individual portions in hot drinks!

• Room Temp (Short-Term Only): For gifting, keep sealed jars at room temp for up to 48 hours max if unopened. Once opened, refrigerate.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

This syrup is an amazing addition to your weekly prep routine:

• Make a double batch and freeze half for later.

• Prep coffee and tea stations with syrup, cinnamon sticks, and frothers.

• Keep a jar at work to upgrade your office coffee instantly.

• Make smaller jars for school staff or co-worker appreciation gifts.

Nutritional Information (approximate per tablespoon)

Values vary based on sweetener and pumpkin amount used.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this syrup without sugar?

Yes! Replace maple syrup with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup or stevia-based sweeteners. You may need to reduce the water slightly depending on the consistency.

Will this syrup curdle in milk?

Not usually, but if you add it to cold milk and coffee without stirring, the pumpkin puree might separate. Always stir well or blend into hot drinks for the best texture.

Can I can this syrup for longer shelf life?

This syrup has not been tested for canning and is best stored refrigerated. For gifting, include instructions to refrigerate immediately.

Is this syrup vegan?

Yes—if you use maple syrup or agave nectar, it’s completely vegan. Avoid honey if you want it to be fully plant-based.

Can I use this syrup in cold drinks?

Absolutely. It works well in iced lattes and smoothies. Shake or stir thoroughly to distribute the spices and pumpkin evenly.

Flavor Variations to Try

Want to tweak your pumpkin syrup? Here are a few ideas:

Pumpkin Mocha Syrup

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder while simmering for a chocolate-pumpkin twist.

Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Syrup

Split and scrape ½ a vanilla bean into the syrup while heating, or add ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste.

Spicy Pumpkin Syrup

Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a subtle spicy kick.

Citrus Pumpkin Syrup

Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for brightness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the smell and taste of pumpkin spice in the fall—and nothing makes it easier to enjoy than having a jar of homemade pumpkin spice syrup in your fridge. Whether you’re making a quick latte on a rushed morning or hosting friends for a cozy weekend brunch, this syrup delivers real flavor, real pumpkin, and real comfort.

Simple to prepare, endlessly versatile, and easily customizable, this recipe can become your go-to fall staple. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.