Add cozy, seasonal flavor to your favorite drinks and desserts with homemade spiced simple syrup. Made with sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and optional star anise, this easy syrup is a simple way to bring warm holiday spice to coffee, cocktails, lattes, cakes, and baked treats.
Spiced simple syrup is one of those small kitchen staples that can make everyday recipes feel extra special. It has the sweetness of classic simple syrup with the added warmth of winter spices. Cinnamon gives it a familiar, comforting flavor, cloves add depth, and star anise brings a gentle aromatic note without overpowering the syrup.
This syrup is especially useful during the fall and winter months, but it is versatile enough to keep on hand anytime you want a sweet spiced flavor. Stir it into hot coffee, iced coffee, tea, or a vanilla latte. Add a splash to holiday cocktails or mocktails. You can also use it in baking by brushing it over cakes to help add moisture and a subtle layer of spice.
Because this spiced simple syrup is made with just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and can be customized to suit your taste. Let it steep a little longer for a stronger spice flavor, or keep the steeping time shorter for a lighter, more delicate syrup. Once strained and cooled, it stores easily in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.
What is spiced simple syrup?
Spiced simple syrup is a sweet liquid syrup infused with warm spices. Traditional simple syrup is usually made with equal parts sugar and water, then heated until the sugar dissolves. This version adds cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and optional star anise so the syrup takes on a fragrant, seasonal flavor.
It is commonly used to sweeten beverages because it blends smoothly into both hot and cold drinks. Unlike granulated sugar, which can settle at the bottom of a cold drink, simple syrup mixes in quickly. The spiced version adds flavor and sweetness at the same time, making it a convenient ingredient for coffee drinks, holiday cocktails, sparkling beverages, and desserts.
What does winter spice syrup taste like?
This winter spice syrup has a sweet cinnamon-forward flavor with a light hint of cloves. The cloves add warmth and a slightly bold note, so a small amount goes a long way. Star anise has a noticeable licorice-like aroma, but it does not make the finished syrup taste strongly like licorice. Instead, it helps round out the spice blend and gives the syrup a more complete flavor.
The final taste is warm, sweet, and gently spiced. It works well in recipes where you want the flavor of cinnamon and holiday spices without adding ground spices directly to the drink or dessert.
Does this work as a rich simple syrup?
Yes, this recipe can be made as a rich simple syrup if you prefer a thicker and sweeter result. A rich simple syrup usually uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, meaning two parts sugar to one part water. That higher sugar content creates a more concentrated syrup with a heavier texture and stronger sweetness.
If you choose to make this as a rich spiced simple syrup, keep the spices the same and adjust only the sugar-to-water ratio. Use it sparingly at first, since it will sweeten drinks and desserts more quickly than a standard 1:1 simple syrup.
Tips
- Adjust the spice level: Add an extra cinnamon stick or a couple more cloves if you want a stronger spiced flavor. For a slightly different taste, you can also add 2 to 3 allspice berries.
- Steep to taste: The longer the spices sit in the hot syrup, the more flavor they release. Start with 20 minutes for a lighter syrup or steep closer to 30 minutes for a deeper spice flavor.
- Strain well: Remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise before storing. This keeps the flavor balanced and prevents the syrup from becoming too strong over time.
- Cool before storing: Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to a jar or airtight container and placing it in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
Spiced simple syrup is a wonderful addition to seasonal drinks and desserts. Stir it into hot coffee for an easy spiced coffee syrup, add it to iced coffee for a cold holiday-style drink, or mix it into a vanilla latte for extra warmth. It also pairs well with cranberry drinks, sparkling mocktails, and festive cocktails.
For desserts, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of cakes such as gingerbread cake or apple cider cake. The syrup can help add moisture while giving the cake a subtle spiced finish. You can also drizzle a small amount over pancakes, waffles, or quick breads when you want a sweet cinnamon-clove flavor.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Once the spiced syrup has cooled, store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Before using: Give the jar a gentle shake or stir if needed, then add the syrup to drinks or desserts as desired.
More Holiday Recipes to Try
- Eggnog Latte
- Cranberry Christmas Punch
- Gingerbread Cupcakes
- Gingerbread Latte
- Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
Like this recipe?
If you enjoy warm seasonal flavors, this homemade spiced simple syrup is an easy recipe to keep in your refrigerator throughout the holiday season.
Spiced Simple Syrup
This homemade spiced simple syrup is sweet, aromatic, and full of warm cinnamon and clove flavor. Use it in coffee, cocktails, lattes, mocktails, cakes, and other seasonal desserts.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 to 5 whole cloves
- 1 star anise, optional
How to Make It
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Add the granulated sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise to a small saucepan.
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Place the saucepan over low-medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
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Remove the pan from the heat and let the spices steep in the syrup for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Strain out the spices, let the syrup cool, and use it in drinks or desserts.
Suggested Equipment
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Small saucepan
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Fine mesh strainer
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Airtight jar or container
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 2 tablespoons. Actual calories will vary.
- Store cooled syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.
- For a stronger spice flavor, let the syrup steep closer to 30 minutes before straining.