Apple Cider Simple Syrup

This Apple Cider Simple Syrup is warm, sweet and just a little tart, with cozy notes of cinnamon and clove in every pour. It turns any drink into something that tastes like fall in a glass.

Swapping water for apple cider means all that natural apple flavor and sweetness gets packed right into the syrup, no grainy sugar left behind, just a smooth, pourable syrup ready to sweeten whatever you're making.

If you like making your own mixes at home, you'll also want to try our Blackberry Simple Syrup or our classic Simple Syrup, both just as easy to whip up and endlessly useful.

Ingredients

All you need is a couple simple ingredients, many of which you might already have at home.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Sweetened Apple Cider: The base for the simple syrup, if unsweetened is all you have it'll work well too. Fresh apple cider from an orchard or cider mill works beautifully here if you have access to it.
• Light Brown Sugar: The base for the syrup's thickness and enhances the sweet flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick: Enhances the cinnamon flavor in the cider and adds warmth.
• Whole Cloves: Additional warming spice that complements cinnamon.
• Allspice Berries: A fragrant spice that balances the fruity sweetness.

Simple syrup recipes are really easy, all you'll need is a small saucepan, spatula, and small strainer.

Variations

• Unsweetened Apple Cider: A totally viable substitute in this recipe and keeps the sugar content a bit lower.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Use dark versus light to allow for a deeper flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Can be used but will change the depth of the syrup.
• Honey: Swap in an equal amount of honey for the brown sugar for a natural, floral sweetness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle hint of vanilla, while enhancing all other flavors.

How to Make Apple Cider Simple Syrup

You will love how quick and easy it is to make this simple syrup, you'll find yourself making it often.

Bring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat in a small saucepan, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Strain into a glass mason jar and allow it to cool to room temperature before use.

Hint: Breaking up the cinnamon stick allows for more of the flavors to infuse into the syrup.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Medium Heat: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer to avoid scorching the sugar.
• Make a Big Batch: If you have a full gallon of fresh apple cider on hand, this recipe scales up easily so you can make enough to last the season.
• Rich Syrup Option: Double the sugar for a thicker, more concentrated syrup with a longer shelf life.

Have extra syrup on hand? Use it to rim the glass on our Apple Cider Mimosa for extra fall flavor.

More Homemade Staple Recipes

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-4 weeks.
• Freezer: Simple syrup freezes well (especially with a higher concentration), making it easy to batch-make a big fall supply. Whisk over low heat once thawed to bring it back to its original consistency.
• Reheating: If the syrup is too thick, warm it gently on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave to thin it back out.

Serving Suggestions

• Cocktails/Drinks: Apple Cider Old Fashioned, Apple Cider Bourbon, Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine, and Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato.
• Breakfast: Drizzle over Banana Sheet Pan Pancakes, Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles, Sheet Pan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, or Crispy Fluffy Pancakes.

Apple Cider Simple Syrup Recipe FAQs

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