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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Dec 8, 2020 · Modified: May 11, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Gingerbread Simple Syrup

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Add everyone’s favorite holiday flavor to your cocktails, lattes and baked goods with this homemade gingerbread simple syrup! Made with fresh ginger, warm spices, molasses and rich brown sugar, this homemade simple syrup is easy to prepare and has so many uses that you’ll want to add it to all your festive drinks and treats this season.

A small mason jar with a ribbon filled with homemade gingerbread simple syrup with cinnamon sticks and gingerbread people ornaments in the background.

If there’s one way I love to create a customized flavor, making an infused simple syrup is it. We can add any fruit, spice or herb to come up with a uniquely flavored syrup to give our cocktails, coffee and desserts a special touch.

During the spring and summer months, I’m especially partial to the strawberry-basil simple syrup found in my strawberry-basil Tom Collins and strawberry-basil limoncello martini, but when the fall and winter hit, we need something warmer with plenty of spice. My brown sugar-chai simple syrup and spiced cranberry simple syrup are delicious options, and now we’re adding this homemade gingerbread syrup to the list.

Not only is this homemade gingerbread syrup a delicious way to customize your own holiday food and drinks, it also makes a great homemade gift. One of my favorite holiday traditions is to spend a evening whipping up homemade treats, like this maple-bourbon banana bread and vanilla and orange infused bourbon, for family and friends, and this gingerbread syrup is another tasty option. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to make that it really comes in handy for those years you’re short on time.

Ingredients

Let’s get organized and gather our ingredients. Here’s everything we need to make this gingerbread spice syrup.

  • Water: This is the base of our ginger-infused simple syrup recipe.
  • Dark brown sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar over light brown sugar because it has more molasses for a richer taste, but you can substitute the former if needed.
  • Molasses: This is the traditional flavor backbone of gingerbread.
  • Fresh ginger: I just adore the flavor fresh ginger adds as opposed to ground. Consider that ginger is our all-star spice here, it’s worth going fresh here. If you need to substitute ground ginger, I'd add to taste, starting with 2 teaspoons and going from there.
  • Additional spices: For our supporting cast of spices, we use cinnamon, cloves and allspice.
  • Fresh orange zest: With all the rich flavors and warm spice, the fresh zest adds a welcomed brightness.
  • Vanilla extract: While we could use a vanilla bean, these days they’re expensive, and it doesn’t look like the price will come down any time soon because of shortages and labor problems. A high-quality vanilla extract works beautifully.

How to Make

This namesake is true here. Simple syrup is truly simple. Let’s discuss how to make gingerbread syrup, shall we?

We begin by adding the water, dark brown sugar, molasses, ginger, additional spices and fresh orange zest to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. In little time, the mixture wil begin to simmer. At this point, we can start stirring the syrup. We continue to stir periodically to help dissolve the sugar.

Once the mixture comes to a boil, we give it another good stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, and then we turn off the heat, add our vanilla extract and allow the syrup to steep. This gives the ginger plenty of time to infuse its warm flavor. I recommend steeping for at least 15 minutes, though you can even let it sit for up to an hour.

After our gingerbread simple syrup steeps, all that’s left is to strain. Just like that, our simple syrup is ready.

A collage showing the process of how to make the gingerbread simple syrup, from simmering to straining.

Can You Make Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Making homemade simple syrup is well-worth the effort because it’s easy and lasts for several weeks. All we have to do is whip up a batch, and we have our gingerbread syrup well before serving, which makes entertaining a breeze. Considering how busy this time of year is, I appreciate anything I can prepare ahead of time.

Uses for Simple Syrup

When my brain hears simple syrup, I automatically think cocktails, and that's exactly why I created this gingerbread old fashioned. Given the amount of cocktail recipes you can find here, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

But flavoring and sweetening cocktails aren’t the only use for this gingerbread simple syrup. Here are a few other ways to enjoy it.

  • Add to your coffee or tea. I especially love using it to make a gingerbread latte.
  • Brush onto cake for both a gingerbread flavor and added moisture.
  • Mix into maple syrup or even use as its own breakfast syrup to serve on pancakes or waffles — my gingerbread waffles and buttermilk waffles are both great options.
  • Stir into hot chocolate or eggnog.
  • Drizzle over a winter fruit salad.
  • Spoon over ice cream, like my bourbon-pumpkin ice cream or butterscotch ice cream.
An aerial view of the syrup with Christmas decor surrounding it.

How to Store Homemade Simple Syrup

To keep our holiday simple syrup fresh, we want to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As mentioned above, homemade simple syrup lasts for weeks. The sugar acts as a preservative, but this only holds true if stored properly, so make sure you keep it fresh in the refrigerator.

Perfect Pairing

If you’d like to pair this easy gingerbread syrup with your favorite liquor to make a custom cocktail, you have a few options. Bourbon and rum are my favorites, but it’s also great with Irish cream, coffee liqueur or chocolate liqueur.

Once you have your gingerbread cocktail in hand, we also have a few food pairing options. If you decide to go with a bourbon gingerbread cocktail, we want something bold to stand up to our bourbon. My apple cider pot roast and braised apple cider short ribs are both tasty options. For a dessert gingerbread cocktail, however, my fudgy stout brownies, spiced holiday chocolate chip cookies or ginger-maple cookies are perfect.

To add a festive spin to your drinks and baked goods this holiday season, I hope you try this homemade gingerbread simple syrup recipe. Please let me know how you enjoyed it in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Cheers!

A close-up shot of the gingerbread simple syrup with Christmas decor behind it.

Looking for More Festive Recipes?

  • Chai-cranberry smash
  • Gingerbread toffee
  • Gingerbread pudding
  • Sparkling cranberry-ginger margarita
  • Gingerbread ice cream
A small mason jar with a ribbon filled with homemade gingerbread simple syrup with cinnamon sticks and gingerbread people ornaments in the background.

Gingerbread Simple Syrup

Add everyone’s favorite holiday flavor to your cocktails, lattes and baked goods with this homemade gingerbread simple syrup! Made with fresh ginger, warm spices, molasses and rich brown sugar, this homemade simple syrup is easy to prepare and has so many uses that you’ll want to add it to all your festive drinks and treats this season.
5 from 48 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Steeping Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 80kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh ginger peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses (not the blackstrap variety)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, add the water, ginger, dark brown sugar, molasses, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Stir to combine. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Stir every so often to help dissolve the sugar.
  • When the mixture boils and the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to steep for at least 15 minutes. 
  • Strain the syrup to separate the solids. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For full tips, please see blog post.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce | Sodium: 4mg | Sugar: 21g | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Danni says

    December 23, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    Very easy to make and makes a beautiful latte👌

    Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 24, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      You are so welcome, Danni! And thank you for sharing your experience. Happy holidays!

      Reply
  2. Ali says

    December 23, 2021 at 9:23 am

    5 stars
    I just made this to satisfy my gingerbread latte craving and oh my gosh it is so delicious. This will be a Christmas staple for me for many years to come!!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 24, 2021 at 12:59 pm

      I love hearing that, Ali! Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  3. Lindsey says

    December 10, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    5 stars
    I made this today and it is fantastic! I had a gingerbread Moscow mule at a restaurant last weekend and knew I wanted to make my own. Instead of buying gingerbread syrup, I used this recipe. It's delicious! I also plan on using it in lattes, as a glaze for winter cakes, and on top of waffles or pancakes. Thank you for creating this recipe!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2021 at 1:30 pm

      Thank you so much for the kind comment, Lindsey! I’m so glad you loved it and have lots of festive plans for it. Love the idea of a gingerbread mule — I’ll have to try that myself!

      Reply
  4. Art says

    December 04, 2021 at 10:06 am

    5 stars
    I am obsessed with infused simple syrup! This gingerbread version will definitely be in the rotation this holiday season.

    Reply
  5. Julie says

    December 04, 2021 at 9:46 am

    5 stars
    This is perfect for the Holiday season. I want to put this in coffee, on ice cream and so many other things. Will be great for gift giving too!

    Reply
  6. Lucy says

    December 04, 2021 at 8:56 am

    5 stars
    Gingerbread is such a classic Christmas flavour. This is so tasty and I love how you can use it to flavour so many different festive foods.

    Reply
  7. Bless my food by payal says

    December 04, 2021 at 8:43 am

    5 stars
    This made such a great syrup! The fresh ginger really gave it a wonderful flavor.

    Reply
  8. Nicole says

    December 04, 2021 at 7:56 am

    5 stars
    yum yum yum! This gingerbread syrup is amazing! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  9. Taytlyn Greasham says

    November 17, 2021 at 7:08 am

    Think this would taste good as a simple syrup soak for a gingerbread cake??

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 17, 2021 at 7:20 am

      I totally think you could do that! If you want to infuse more gingerbread flavor, this syrup can do it.

      Reply
  10. Soniya says

    December 11, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    Looks and sounds so good and easy to make ? planning on making to this weekend.Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 14, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      I hope you loved it!

      Reply
  11. Toni Dash says

    December 11, 2020 at 8:37 am

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing the recipe! Such a perfect holiday gift!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 14, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      You are so welcome! They’ll love it.

      Reply
  12. Erika says

    December 11, 2020 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    This simple syrup is perfect for the holiday season. I definitely want to put a splash of this in my coffee!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 14, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      You’ll love it in your coffee!

      Reply
  13. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    December 11, 2020 at 7:50 am

    5 stars
    Ahh! Fun for the season! I wouldn't have thought to add this to coffee or tea, but great idea!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2020 at 7:51 am

      You’ll love it that way! I’ve been drinking homemade gingerbread lattes all week, and it’s put me in such a festive mood. ❤️?

      Reply
  14. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    December 11, 2020 at 7:44 am

    5 stars
    This will be amazing in my hot chocolate!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2020 at 7:48 am

      Absolutely! The spice and chocolate are wonderful together.

      Reply

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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