Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

5 from 2 votes

This isn’t just syrup. It’s liquid autumn. My version adapts the official Starbucks At Home recipe, but I prefer a blend of white sugar and light brown sugar. White sugar keeps the flavor clean, while brown sugar adds molasses depth and a subtle caramel note that makes the syrup richer and more well-rounded. Use it to make lattes, drizzle over pancakes, stir into oatmeal, or even swirl into whipped cream.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Straining + Cooling2

Total Time2 25

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: American

Servings: beverages

Calories: 164kcal

Cost: $2.50–$3.00

Equipment

Medium saucepan
whisk
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Airtight glass jar

Ingredients

¾ cup white granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar can use all white sugar, but the combo adds flavor depth
1 ½ cups water
6 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
4 tablespoons pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling!

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugars and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and pumpkin purée. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and immediately strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove solids.
Let cool completely before transferring to a clean, airtight glass jar. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Notes

Shortcut option: If you’ve already made my Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix, swap the cloves, ginger, and nutmeg for 1 ½ tablespoons of the mix.

Straining matters: Don’t skip this step. It keeps your syrup smooth and coffee-friendly.

Diet-friendly swaps: For lower sugar, try half monk fruit sweetener and half maple syrup. Texture will be thinner, but still flavorful.

Storage tip: Freeze extra syrup in ice cube trays, then drop one cube into hot coffee or milk for instant pumpkin spice goodness.

Beyond coffee: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or roasted sweet potatoes, or stir into plain Greek yogurt for a fall-flavored breakfast.

Nutrition