Cinnamon Spice Caramel Simple Syrup for Beverages

Make a batch of this cinnamon-infused caramel simple syrup to keep in your fridge to make gourmet coffee, tea and apple cider drinks. If you’re a fan of the Caramel Apple Spice drink from Starbucks, you’ll love this homemade syrup.

While many people go crazy for pumpkin spice lattes, my favorite fall Starbucks drink is the Caramel Apple Spice hot cider. With this homemade cinnamon spice caramel simple syrup, you can make the fall beverage anytime a craving hits.

two jars of homemade cinnamon caramel simple syrup

Cinnamon and caramel are two wonderful fall flavors — and they’re even better combined.

The addition of cinnamon adds a complexity of flavor you don’t find in other caramel simple syrup recipes. It tastes like a combination of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce syrup and caramel coffee syrup.

Make this and my salted caramel sauce so you can make your own Cinnamon Caramel Apple Cider at home.

Use this homemade simple syrup in one of these delicious Apple Cider Drinks. So many great options to serve for the fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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A batch of syrup will make about anywhere from eight to 16 drinks, depending on whether you like your beverage tall or grande sized and depending on how many pumps or tablespoons of syrup you add.

A jar will keep in your fridge for about six months, and you can use it in hot, iced or frozen drinks and cocktails. It’s delicious in coffee, as well as apple cider.

jar of cinnamon caramel simple syrup with a coffee mug and cinnamon sticks

You can scroll to the end of this post for the full recipe and ingredient list. But you may want to keep reading for more tips on how to make this delicious and versatile cinnamon caramel simple syrup.

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To Make Cinnamon Caramel Simple Syrup, You Will Need:

Cinnamon sticks – Used to infuse the syrup with cinnamon flavor
Granulated Sugar – For simple syrup, I always use white, granulated sugar
Corn Syrup – Just a touch of light corn syrup will help ensure that the sugar crystals don’t crystallize in the pan so the finished cinnamon-caramel simple syup remains smooth. You can also use honey to inhibit crystallization.
Vanilla Extract – Make your own or use a high-quality commercial vanilla extract to round out the flavor of this homemade coffee syrup

How to Make Coffee Syrup

First, you will make cinnamon-infused water to use in the caramel simple syrup.

Combine a half cup of water and 2 cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

cinnamon infused water and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan

Remove the the cinnamon sticks and keep the infused water warm while you make the caramel.

Combine the remaining ¼ cup water, corn syrup and sugar in another slightly larger saucepan.

sugar and water in a saucepan with a whisk

Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Next, increase the heat to medium-high, cover and boil for 2 minutes.

After two minutes, uncover the sugar-water mixture and continue to boil, stirring constantly until it turns a light amber color.

The caramelization process can be tricky, so pay close attention, stirring constantly and checking the color. If you cook the mixture too long, the caramel syrup will burn, and you’ll have to throw it out and start again.

Once the caramelized sugar has turned a light amber color, remove the pan from the heat. Slowly and carefully pour in the cinnamon-infused water. It’s advisable to stand back a bit as you’re pouring because the caramel mixture will steam and bubble rapidly when you add the infused water.

I sometimes will place the pan in the sink for this step, to contain any spills and avoid messy cleanup.

Once the steam and bubbles have settled down, add the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir the syrup gently. Allow to cool before transferring the syrup to a glass jar or bottle. It’s also best to let the syrup cool and set completely before using it in recipes.

Store the prepared cinmamon caramel apple coffee syrup in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Tips for making caramel simple syrup

Once you become more experienced with making this recipe, you can cook the simple syrup mixture a bit longer to allow for a darker and richer caramel color and flavor. You just want to be careful that you don’t cook the sugar and water too long, or the finished product will taste burned.

You’ll notice in these photos that one jar of syrup is noticeably darker than the other. For the darker syrup, I let the caramelization process go on a bit longer before removing the pan from the heat and adding the cinnamon-infused water.

It only takes a few minutes for caramel to pass from one stage to the next, from light to medium to dark to burned. Here’s a good primer on what caramel looks like at every stage; it also includes a temperature chart.

If you want to make a darker caramel coffee syrup, pay attention to the color of the sugar as it cooks, and also any changes in smell. Your nose will tell you when the caramel is on the verge of burning.

Also, remember that the addition of cinnamon-infused water will darken the caramel simple syrup more.

How to use Cinnamon Caramel Syrup

For best results, allow the simple syrup to cool and thicken before using it.

pouring syrup from a jar into a coffee mug

Add 2 Tablespoons, or more if you prefer, to hot or cold beverages.

Frequently asked QUESTIONS

Can I used ground cinnamon for this recipe?

This recipe is best when made using cinnamon sticks. If you dont have any, you can substitute a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to make the infused water.

If you use ground cinnamon, I recommend straining the infused water through fine cheesecloth to remove as much sediment as possible before adding it to the caramel simple syrup.

How do I store coffee syrup?

Keep the prepared cinmamon caramel apple coffee syrup in the refrigerator. I like to store it in a glass mason jar or bottle.

How long will this syrup last?

This simple syrup will last up to six months in the refrigerator.

How can I use this cinnamon caramel simple syrup?

I love using this homemade syrup in all types coffee, apple cider and chai. It can be used in place of sugar in hot or cold drinks. It will add a cinnamon and caramel flavor to beverages and cocktails.

More Cinnamon & Caramel Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may want to try these other cinnamon and caramel-flavored favorites:

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