Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Give your holiday drinks a festive twist with this homemade gingerbread syrup that's full of winter spices, vanilla bean and fresh ginger. It tastes just like a cozy gingerbread cookie, but you won't have to turn your oven on, and it's perfect in gingerbread latte or gingerbread expresso martini!
My favorite treat around the holidays is a delicious gingerbread latte. I used to work overnights at a hospital, and every morning after my shift - summer or winter, I'd get a gingerbread latte. Now that I'm at a different stage of life, I love that I enjoy my gingerbread latte in my cozy Santa mug from home while I'm working in my pjs. Ah the holidays, everything is ultra cozy mode.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is generally found in two strengths: Equal parts sugar and water, the most common strength in U.S. bars, is referred to as “one-to-one” (1:1). Two parts sugar to one part water is, as you might guess, referred to as 2:1, which is the standard syrup in U.K. bars; in the States, you’ll often hear 2:1 syrup being referred to as “rich simple syrup.” It's used to add sweetness and flavor to drinks, like cocktails or coffees.
gingerbread spices:
Typically in gingerbread cookies you will find a combination of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves. We use some of these in our syrup + fresh vanilla bean. It's totally optional, I love the flavor it adds to this rich syrup.
How to use this syrup:
- Gingerbread syrup is a perfect edible gift. Gift it with a cute Santa mug or coffee beans and gingerbread men.
- Use it in a festive holiday cocktail.
- Use it in a tasty gingerbread latte!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cloves or ¼ tablespoon ground clove
- 1 cardamom pod or ¼ tablespoon ground clove
- 1 vanilla bean, or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ tablespoon nutmeg
- ¼ tablespoon ground black pepper
Use whole spices and let infuse if you have them, it creates a syrup that's less thick.
How to make this syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat the water, sugar, and spices until it comes to a simmer
- Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and let the liquid cool
- Lastly, strain into a jar (with an airtight lid)
- Let cool completely before using in drink of choice
Frequently asked questions
What is the shelf life of this syrup?
Sugar is used in cooking as a preservative— think jams and jellies, which are also called preserves. So simple syrups have a decent shelf life, when prepared and stored properly: made with very hot water and stored in a sterile container in the refrigerator. A 1:1 simple syrup like this one lasts only one month when refrigerated.
Can I use this in a latte or coffee?
Yes! I love to add my syrup into my frothed milk, but you can add it to your espresso or coffee as well. It's better than Starbucks!
How do I store this syrup?
The recommended way to store simple syrup is to use an airtight container that's been sterilized.
Gingerbread syrup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cloves or ¼ tablespoon ground clove
- 1 cardamom pod or ¼ tablespoon ground clove
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ tablespoon nutmeg
- ¼ tablespoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat the water, sugar, and spices until it comes to a simmer
Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes
Remove from heat and let the liquid cool
Lastly, strain into a jar (with an airtight lid)
Let cool completely before using in drink of choice
Notes
Sugar is used in cooking as a preservative— think jams and jellies, which are also called preserves. So simple syrups have a decent shelf life, when prepared and stored properly: made with very hot water and stored in a sterile container in the refrigerator. A 1:1 simple syrup like this one lasts only one month when refrigerated. Can I use this in a latte or coffee?
Yes! I love to add my syrup into my frothed milk, but you can add it to your espresso or coffee as well. It's better than Starbucks! How do I store this syrup?
The recommended way to store simple syrup is to use an airtight container that's been sterilized.
