Homemade Gingerbread Syrup for Coffee & Cocktails

This homemade gingerbread syrup is sweet, spicy, and tastes just like gingerbread cookies! Add it to your morning coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, cocktails and more for some festive holiday flavor. It’s only 5 ingredients (not including water) and takes less than 15 minutes to make. Bonus, it tastes just like Starbucks’ gingerbread syrup!

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Why You’ll Love this Gingerbread Simple Syrup

This gingerbread syrup brings a lot to the table, making it a must-have for the holiday season and beyond. It’s so cozy and a tiny drizzle packs a TON of flavor. Here are a few more reasons we love this simple syrup and you will too: 

• Authentic Gingerbread Flavor: This homemade simple syrup has a delicious ginger flavor with hints of cinnamon, and a rich molasses undertone.

• Versatility: While it’s a fantastic addition to your coffee, this syrup’s uses don’t stop there. It’s excellent in cocktails, hot chocolate, and can even top off waffles or ice cream.

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can make a batch of this syrup right at home.

• Cost-Effective: This copycat Starbucks gingerbread syrup uses budget friendly ingredients but delivers that coffee shop flavor!

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, this recipe keeps it simple with warm spices and a few key components like molasses. Here’s exactly what you’ll need: 

• Light Brown Sugar: The primary sweetener that also contributes a slight molasses flavor.

• Water: This will dissolve the syrup and create the consistency we want.

• Unsulphured Molasses: Provides the classic, deep flavor synonymous with gingerbread.

• Ground Ginger: The key spice that gives the syrup its characteristic warm and spicy flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic touch.

• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of complexity and sweetness.

Substitutions & Add-ins

Here are a few substitution ideas if you’re missing one of the ingredients above:

• Dark Brown Sugar: You can use this to replace light brown sugar for a syrup with deeper molasses notes.

• Organic Cane Sugar: The light brown sugar can be substituted for regular cane sugar. Increase the molasses by 1 tbsp to add more flavor. 

• Whole Spices: Consider using a cinnamon stick in place of ground spices for a subtler, layered spice profile. 

• Molasses: This can be subbed for maple syrup or another liquid sweetener, however the syrup will lack some of that authentic gingerbread flavor.

• Black Pepper: Add a pinch of pepper for some extra spice.

• Orange Peel or Orange Zest: Add one orange peel for citrus undertones. 

• Whole Cloves: A couple of whole cloves will add a bit more gingerbread spice.

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Helpful Equipment

• Small Saucepan or Pot
• Whisk
• Sterilized, airtight container- like Mason Jars

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Combine light brown sugar, water, and unsulphured molasses in a small pot over medium-low heat. Give everything a quick stir.

STEP 2: Incorporate ground ginger and ground cinnamon with a whisk. Make sure no lumps remain after whisking.

STEP 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to let it simmer. Continue to cook, stirring for 5-8 minutes, until the syrup slightly thickens.

STEP 4: Remove from heat and add pure vanilla extract.

STEP 5: Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to a sterilized, airtight container for storage. This recipe makes 1/2 cup of syrup.

Serving

This syrup is exceptionally versatile. Use it to add a festive touch to holiday drinks. You can also get creative with food pairings—consider it as a topping for pancakes, waffles or ice cream. Here are some ideas!

• Morning Coffee: A spoonful of this syrup turns your regular coffee into a treat perfect for Christmas morning. Add your usual creamer, and you’ve got a gingerbread-flavored start to your day.

• Holiday Cocktails: Planning a get-together? Impress your guests with a gingerbread martini. Combine this syrup with your choice of vodka and a splash of dairy free half-and-half for a decadent holiday drink.

• Gingerbread Latte: Skip the café and make your own specialty drink at home. Mix this syrup with strong brewed coffee and steamed plant-based milk for a cozy, homemade gingerbread latte.

• Holiday Hot Chocolate: If you thought hot chocolate couldn’t get any better, think again. A dash of this syrup makes it holiday-special.

Storage

To maintain its best quality, store the cooled syrup in an air-tight container in the fridge. 

It will remain good for up to 1-2 weeks.

📌 TIP: Allow the syrup to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from crystallizing.

Keep in mind, as the syrup cools it will become thicker!

If stored properly, the syrup can last a pretty long time in the fridge. For the best results:

• Clean and sterilize the jar prior to filling
• Tightly close the lid

Helpful Tips

• Use High-quality Brown Sugar: Different sugars have different flavors, so use your favorite brown sugar for a rich taste that you’ll love!

• Remember to Stir: Stir the syrup consistently during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution and to prevent sticking or burning.

• Strain the Syrup: This step is optional, but you can pass the syrup through a fine metal sieve to remove any ground spices.

FAQ

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