Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup

This easy pumpkin spice simple syrup is the perfect way to make pumpkin lattes at home! It's made with real pumpkin, brown sugar, and fall spices.

Who's ready for pumpkin season?

Each year when Starbucks releases their pumpkin spice latte in late August, I'm conflicted.

I'm usually ready for crisp fall days, but we all have to admit...

August is not fall. At least not in Kentucky.

But this year, the weather does seem to be changing already.

Yes, it's still hot.

But the night air is cooler than usual, and the leaves on our cherry tree have begun to turn.

So I decided to roll with it and embrace the pumpkin spice.

I like to make my own pumpkin spice lattes with real pumpkin. I also make a pumpkin spice chai latte and a pumpkin spice hot chocolate.

All three are fabulous for fall.

My usual homemade pumpkin spice drinks are made with a seasoned and sweetened pumpkin purée that you whisk into your hot drink.

This year, I wanted to make a pumpkin spice simple syrup that would more closely resemble store-bought pumpkin spice drink syrup.

This pumpkin spice simple syrup is made with real pumpkin and zero artificial flavors. It's ready in just a few minutes, and is an easy way to make your own pumpkin spice drinks at home.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Pumpkin Simple Syrup

Store-bought coffee syrups are (in general) chemically flavored, meaning they add flavorings to create the pumpkin flavor without adding actual pumpkin.

A lot of the store-bought syrups also include food coloring.

If you're trying to avoid chemical flavorings and food coloring, homemade simple syrup is a great option.

Even if you don't mind the store-bought syrup ingredients, this is a nice recipe to have on hand in case you run out of your favorite syrup!

Keep in mind that this homemade syrup is slightly less sweet than most store-bought syrups, so if you're switching from store-bought to homemade, you might need to use a little more syrup than you're used to.

Also, keep in mind that since this syrup does contain real pumpkin, you should shake it right before using to incorporate any pumpkin that settles.

If you love making homemade simple syrup, try these syrups next: basil simple syrup, lavender simple syrup, ginger simple syrup, citronella simple syrup, mint simple syrup, and honeysuckle simple syrup.

What Spices Should I Use?

To keep things simple, use your favorite pumpkin pie spice blend, or swap your favorite five-spice powder.

Both spice mixtures are made with similar spices, and I often use them interchangeably when cooking.

Another option is to try making your own pumpkin spice blend. This is the best option if you're trying to copy the exact seasoning in your favorite store-bought syrup, since you'll be able to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup

I usually stick with the basic one to one ratio when making simple syrup. That's one cup sugar and one cup water.

For this syrup, I switched things up just a little bit, and used half brown sugar. The brown sugar helps give the syrup richer, molasses flavor undertones.

To make the syrup, add one cup water, one half cup white sugar, one half cup light brown sugar, one half cup pumpkin purée, and a teaspoon of seasoning to a small saucepan.

Heat the syrup and simmer for about five minutes.

Set the syrup aside and let it cool.

If you want, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove some of the pumpkin sediment.

Pour the syrup into a jar or glass bottle. I like these round glass bottles and these decorative apothecary bottles.

Whenever you're ready for a pumpkin spice drink, pour a little syrup into your drink. It's perfect in a classic coffee latte or tea latte, but is also delicious in a French press cappuccino, a chocolate chai latte, or a Kentucky bourbon coffee.