Give classic maple syrup a fall-inspired upgrade with this easy spiced maple syrup. Warm spices and orange infuse the syrup with cozy flavor for pouring over pancakes or mixing into fall and holiday drinks.
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About this spiced maple syrup recipe
Homemade syrups are one of my favorite ways to add extra flavor to drinks, and this spiced maple syrup is an easy weekend project for the start of fall.
Instead of making simple syrup with sugar and water, you’ll warm real maple syrup with whole spices, fresh ginger and orange, then let everything steep.
The result is a classic maple flavor with layers of warm spice and citrus that make it especially suited for colder weather. Pour it over pumpkin pancakes or South African pannekoek, or use it to give your favorite fall cocktails a seasonal spin.
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift for the holidays. Pour the finished syrup into a food-safe jar or bottle, add a label and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to give it away.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to make. The syrup needs just 15 minutes over low heat and another 15 minutes to steep.
- Warm and aromatic. Whole spices, fresh ginger and orange give maple syrup a rich, layered flavor.
- Endlessly versatile. Drizzle it over pancakes and other breakfast favorites, stir it into drinks or use it in seasonal cocktails.
- Great for gifting. A bottle of homemade spiced maple syrup makes a simple edible gift for hosts, neighbors and friends during the holidays.
Ingredients & essentials
Start with maple syrup, which provides the base for this recipe. Use pure maple syrup * rather than pancake syrup or maple-flavored corn syrup.
For the spices, you’ll need cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, whole cloves and allspice berries. Using whole spices makes them easy to strain out once the syrup has finished steeping.
Fresh ginger adds another layer of warmth. Peel and dice it before adding it to the saucepan. You’ll also need orange slices, either fresh or dried. They bring the citrus note that complements both the maple and warm spices.
For equipment, you’ll need a small saucepan, a spoon for stirring and a fine-mesh strainer *. You’ll also need a food-safe, airtight container such as a Mason jar or bottle for storing the finished syrup.
Instructions
Spiced maple syrup comes together quickly on the stove with fresh whole spices and real maple syrup. The trick is to heat it low and slow.
- Combine maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice berries, ginger and orange slices in a small saucepan.
- Warm over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally — do not let it simmer or boil, which can evaporate the syrup and thicken or crystallize it.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain out the spices and orange before using or storing. Store in a food-safe, airtight container for up to 1 month.
Tips & tricks
- Keep the heat low. The maple syrup should warm gently without simmering or boiling. Too much heat can cause it to reduce, thicken or crystallize.
- Use relatively fresh spices. Whole spices lose potency over time, so fresher cinnamon, cloves, star anise and allspice will give the syrup a stronger flavor.
- Set a timer. Give the spices the full 15 minutes after removing the saucepan from the heat so they have time to infuse the maple syrup.
Uses for spiced maple syrup
Spiced maple syrup works anywhere you’d normally use maple syrup, especially for breakfast — drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, French toast or oatmeal.
But the warm spices add a wonderful taste of fall to breakfasts and holiday drinks, too. Behind the bar, use it in a maple Manhattan or maple old-fashioned for an extra layer of spice. The maple and warm spices are a natural match for whiskey. This apple cider mocktail is another favorite, made sweeter by maple syrup.
You can also stir a spoonful into coffee, chai lattés or other warm drinks, drizzle it over ice cream or use it to sweeten whipped cream.
FAQ
Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup or maple-flavored syrup, which contain other sweeteners and won’t give you the same maple flavor.
Store it in a food-safe, airtight container for up to one month.
Yes. Keep the finished syrup refrigerated in an airtight container.
Spiced Maple Syrup
ingredients
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise pods
- 6 whole cloves
- 5 allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon peeled and diced ginger
- 2 orange slices dried or fresh
instructions
- Combine maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice berries, ginger and orange slices in a small saucepan.1 cup maple syrup, 3 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise pods, 6 whole cloves, 5 allspice berries, 1 tablespoon peeled and diced ginger, 2 orange slices
- Warm over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally — do not let it simmer or boil, which can evaporate the syrup and thicken or crystallize it.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain out the spices and orange before using or storing. Store in a food-safe, airtight container for up to 1 month.
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nutrition information
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