If you’re looking to change up your fall drink routine, this cardamom cinnamon simple syrup is the perfect answer. Now, you best believe I seek out a pumpkin spice latte as an announcement to fall, but I also want some variety in my life. What’s wrong with that?

I’ve been obsessed with this recipe ever since my little sister told me about it. Not only does the brown sugar give the syrup a gorgeous autumn amber color. But the whole cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks really kick up the cozy spice level.

Typically, you can find cinnamon sticks in any grocery store. But, the cardamom pods might be a little more difficult to find. If you can’t find them in your local grocery store, I’d try a spice store, Indian grocer, or order them online. When I was in the States, I loved using the Spice House for my difficult to find spices and herbs.

Ways to use cardamom cinnamon simple syrup: Personally, I love it in my morning coffee (ahem, or all the time coffee). If tea is more your jam, add a splash to a chai latte to really amp up the spices. If you’re more of a cocktail person, this would be delicious in an Old Fashioned. Just substitute the sugar cube for an ounce of the cardamom cinnamon simple syrup!

Can’t wait to hear how you use it!

cardamom cinnamon syrup simple syrup tea

Ingredients

6-7 cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
⅓ cup dark brown sugar
⅔ cup light brown sugar
1 cup water

Instructions

Crack open the cardamom pods and the cinnamon sticks either with kitchen shears or put spices in a plastic bag and smash with a mallet.
Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, both sugars, and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over a medium heat.
Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Once the syrup is as strong as you'd like it, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar or storage container.
Refrigerate for up to one month.

Notes

If you can’t find anything to crack open the cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks, you can drop them in whole. If you do, you’ll want to simmer for longer, about 15-20 minutes. As with all syrups, recipes are super flexible. If you’d like it stronger or with less punch, you can reduce the amount of spices you use.

My favorite ways to use this syrup are in coffee or chai tea lattes!

Interested in more simple syrups? Check out my favorite simple syrup recipes on the blog!

If you have any questions about the recipe or how to use it, drop your question in the comments. I’d love to help!

Cardamom Cinnamon Simple Syrup