What is pumpkin spice syrup made of?

Pumpkin spice syrup is a popular fall flavor used in coffees, lattes, desserts, and more. But what exactly goes into making pumpkin spice syrup? The main ingredients are relatively simple, though amounts can vary by brand.

Table of Contents

The Primary Ingredients

There are four key spices that give pumpkin spice its distinctive flavor profile: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Here’s an overview of each ingredient and what it brings to the pumpkin spice flavor:

Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet, and spicy flavor. It’s typically the most pronounced spice in pumpkin spice mixes.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg has a sweet, nutty aroma that adds depth and complexity. It’s a key part of that “holiday baking” association people have with pumpkin spice.
Ginger: Ginger adds a little heat, spice, and bite. It complements the other flavors nicely.
Clove: Cloves have a strong, piercing, slightly bitter flavor. They are used sparingly in pumpkin spice to provide accent notes.

In addition to these four spices, some pumpkin spice syrup recipes also incorporate ingredients like allspice, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon oil, nutmeg oil, salt, molasses, brown sugar, or honey. However, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove form the flavor base.

Spice Mix Quantities

There’s no set rule for how much of each spice to use in pumpkin spice syrups. Recipes vary widely, which affects the flavor profile. However, here are some general guidelines on typical spice quantities:

Cinnamon: 1-2 tablespoons per 1 cup (200 ml) of syrup

Nutmeg: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 1 cup (200 ml) of syrup
Ginger: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup (200 ml) of syrup
Clove: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per 1 cup (200 ml) of syrup

Cinnamon is always the dominant spice. Nutmeg and ginger add most of the supporting flavor. And just a little bit of clove goes a long way, as it has such a strong aroma. If a recipe calls for “pumpkin pie spice” instead of the individual spices, it typically contains a similar ratio of these ingredients pre-mixed.

The Syrup Base

In addition to spice, pumpkin spice syrup recipes also call for an actual syrup to act as the base. This provides viscosity, sweetness, and the underlying flavor. Common options include:

Sugar syrup: This is just a simple syrup made from sugar and water. White sugar or brown sugar can be used.

Maple syrup: For deeper, richer flavor.
Honey: Honey provides floral notes.
Molasses: For an extra bold, brown sugar-like taste.

Pumpkin puree: Some recipes use real pumpkin for fuller flavor.

Recipes may variously combine these syrup options too. For example, doing half maple syrup and half sugar syrup. The consistency can also range from thin to thick depending on cooking time and ingredients.

Making Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Here is an overview of the basic process for making homemade pumpkin spice syrup:

Combine the dry spices in a bowl. Use about 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon clove per cup of syrup.
Add the wet syrup ingredients to a small saucepan. Examples include 1 cup sugar syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses, or a combination.
Pour the mixed spices into the pan with the wet ingredients.

Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until just simmering. Let simmer for 2-5 minutes to infuse flavors.
Remove pan from heat and let cool at least 15 minutes. The syrup will thicken as it cools.
Strain through a mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove spices. Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

The resulting pumpkin spice syrup can be mixed into coffee, tea, oatmeal, milkshakes, yogurt, oats, chia pudding, smoothies, and more. It’s also great drizzled over pancakes, waffles, French toast, and other breakfast treats. A little goes a long way thanks to the concentrated flavor.

Buying Ready-Made Syrup

For convenience, there are several brands of pre-made pumpkin spice syrup available for purchase. Some popular options include:

Torani: Torani makes a Pumpkin Pie Spice Syrup that contains sugar, water, natural flavors, citric acid, and caramel color.

Monin: Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup has sugar, water, natural pumpkin spice flavor, caramel color, potassium sorbate, and citric acid.
DaVinci: The DaVinci Pumpkin Pie Spice Syrup is made from sugar, water, natural and artificial flavors, potassium sorbate, and citric acid.
Skinny Syrups: Skinny Syrups’ version uses sugar, water, natural flavors, cinnamon, citric acid, and potassium sorbate. They also have a Zero Calorie Pumpkin Spice.

Jordan’s Skinny Syrups: Jordan’s Pumpkin Pie Skinny Syrup contains sugar, water, natural and artificial flavors, molasses, potassium sorbate, and citric acid.

The ingredient profiles are broadly similar across brands. Sugar and water make up the base, then natural and artificial flavors are added for pumpkin spice taste. Preservatives like potassium sorbate and citric acid help extend shelf life. Finally, coloring agents like caramel color provide an autumnal orange hue.

Cost of Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Brand	Size	Price
Torani	25.4 oz (750 mL)	$8.99
Monin	33.8 oz (1 L)	$9.99
DaVinci	25.4 oz (750 mL)	$7.48
Skinny Syrups	25.4 oz (750 mL)	$7.99
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups	24 oz (710 mL)	$6.99

Pumpkin spice syrup prices typically range from about $7-10 per 25 ounce bottle. Volume discounts are sometimes available on multi-packs. Making your own pumpkin spice syrup can cost less than buying it pre-made. But it requires more effort.

Nutrition Information

The nutrition facts for pumpkin spice syrup depend on the specific ingredients used. However, here are some general nutrition guidelines:

Serving size is often 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL).
Calories range from 45-120 per serving.

Total carbohydrates are primarily from added sugars.
There are minimal amounts of fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Sodium content is low since there is no added salt.

Sugar-free versions have zero calories and carbs.

When enjoying pumpkin spice syrup, keep portion sizes small and account for the added sugars by balancing it out with more nutrient-dense foods and beverages for the rest of your diet. The spices provide some antioxidants, but the main nutritional value is flavor.

Popular Brands

Some of the top brands for ready-made pumpkin spice syrup include:

Torani – Well-known brand that makes many flavor syrups for coffees and desserts.
Monin – French syrup company that makes gourmet flavor syrups for baristas and home use.
DaVinci – Best known for their flavored syrups and ingredient mixes for restaurants.

Skinny Syrups – Brand focused on low calorie, no sugar added syrup flavors.
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups – Similar to Skinny Syrups but with some different flavors.
Starbucks – While not bottled, Starbucks popularized the pumpkin spice flavor profile in their lattes.

Smaller artisan brands offer their own unique takes on pumpkin spice syrup as well using premium ingredients. When buying syrup, look for brands that use natural spice extracts rather than artificial flavorings for a fresher, more authentic taste.

Uses for Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Pumpkin spice syrup is versatile for both sweet and savory applications. Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:

Coffee drinks: Add to lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, etc. Works hot or iced.

Tea: Stir into chai tea or hot black tea for a flavor boost.
Smoothies: Add a tablespoon or two to fruit or protein smoothies.
Milkshakes: Splash into milkshakes for a fall twist.

Hot chocolate: Mix into hot cocoa for extra spice and sweetness.
Desserts: Use as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, muffins, bread puddings, ice cream and more.
Pancakes or waffles: Drizzle over pancakes and waffles in place of normal syrup.

Oatmeal or porridge: Swirl into oatmeal, breakfast grains or chia puddings.
Yogurt: Add to plain yogurt or stir into nice cream for a seasonal treat.
Cocktails: Add to cream liqueurs or create fall-themed mixed drinks.

The possibilities are nearly endless! The syrup can be substituted in place of normal syrups or sugars in a wide range of foods and drinks.

Pairings with Pumpkin Spice

Certain ingredients pair particularly well with pumpkin spice flavors. Complementary mix-ins and toppings include:

Whipped cream – For extra richness and a creamy contrast.

Vanilla – Vanilla is a natural partner, enhancing the sweetness.
Cinnamon sticks – Garnish drinks and desserts for bonus cinnamon spice.
Nutmeg – A light sprinkling of fresh grated nutmeg boosts the nutmeg notes.

Ginger – More grated ginger accentuates that warming bite.
Clove – Whole cloves add visual appeal and punch up the clove flavor.
Allspice – Similar to cinnamon, allspice has a place in pumpkin spice.

Chocolate – The sweet/bitter notes of chocolate pair well.
Nuts – Toasted pecans, walnuts, etc add crunch and flavor interest.
Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup to reinforce the syrup base.

Experiment with mixing and matching components like whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate chips, walnuts, ginger, etc. The possibilities are endless for seasonal pumpkin spice treats!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup Storage

To maintain freshness and flavor, properly store pumpkin spice syrup:

Keep refrigerated after opening.

Transfer to an airtight container or bottle.
Make sure top is sealed to prevent moisture loss.
Refrigerate up to 2 weeks once opened.

For longer storage, keep freezer-safe up to 3 months.
If separating, shake gently before use to recombine.
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Wipe clean any drips from the bottle to avoid stickiness.
Smell and taste before use if refrigerated for longer periods.

Proper refrigeration is key for maintaining the quality and freshness. The spices can become stale if left at room temperature too long after opening. Follow these tips for maximum shelf life.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup vs. Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin spice syrup and pumpkin puree are not the same thing. Here’s the difference:

Pumpkin spice syrup – Made from sugar syrup and pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Imparts flavor and sweetness.
Pumpkin puree – Cooked and mashed pumpkin flesh. Provides actual pumpkin flavor, moisture, and nutrients.

Some recipes will use both – pumpkin puree for the pumpkin taste and pumpkin spice syrup for the spiced flavor profile. But syrup alone won’t provide the fullness, texture, and health benefits of real pumpkin puree.

No-Sugar Pumpkin Spice Syrup

For a lower sugar option, there are recipes for DIY pumpkin spice syrup using zero-calorie sweeteners. Two options include:

Sucralose syrup – Make a sucralose simple syrup by dissolving Splenda or generic sucralose in water. Uses no sugar or calories but provides sweetness.

Stevia syrup – Simmer stevia extract with water and a small amount of alcohol or glycerin to help it dissolve. Provides natural sweetness with minimal calories.

The sugar-free syrup won’t have quite the same thickness and rich flavor. But combining sucralose or stevia syrup with the pumpkin spices can create a lighter, no-sugar-added pumpkin sauce.

Conclusion

Pumpkin spice syrup is an easy way to add festive fall flavor to drinks, desserts, and other recipes. While ingredient amounts vary, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove form the classic pumpkin spice blend. Sugar syrup mixed with the spices creates a sweet, spiced sauce that can be drizzled over anything pumpkin spice! Store refrigerated and use within a couple weeks for best quality. Alternately, make your own healthier sugar-free version using sucralose or stevia as the base. However you choose to use it, pumpkin spice syrup is sure to be a hit this autumn.