Apple Cinnamon Simple Syrup
This sweet and spiced, apple cinnamon syrup recipe is made with fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and sugar only! It’s perfect for coffee, lattes, pancakes or oatmeal.
The apples bring a mellow sweetness and body, while the cinnamon adds warmth in the background rather than sharp spice. It’s the kind of syrup you use daily in coffee and breakfast meals. For a similar cozy flavor, try the brown sugar vanilla syrup, or the plain apple simple syrup.
Ingredients
- Apples – sweet, crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp give the syrup a naturally rounded flavor.
- Sugar – white or light brown sugar
- Water – plain or filtered water.
- Cinnamon sticks – for a smooth, natural spice that infuses gently.
Syrup ratio
For apple cinnamon simple syrup, a good general ratio is a 1:1 sugar to water. This creates a classic, balanced simple syrup that’s sweet but not overly thick, letting the apple and cinnamon flavors shine.
The ratio mainly affects sweetness and viscosity; the apple and cinnamon infusion will give the syrup its flavor regardless.
How to make apple cinnamon simple syrup
Place the apples in a small saucepan with sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks, stirring gently to coat the fruit and start dissolving the sugar.
Warm over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. As the apples soften, lightly mash them to release more juice and aroma.
Let the syrup simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and deepens in color.
Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract every drop of syrup. Discard the solids and cinnamon sticks.
Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle.
Flavour notes
- Sweetness: warm and rounded, with a mellow caramel-like depth
- Primary note: baked apple (gently fruity)
- Secondary notes: cinnamon spice (woody and aromatic)
- Overall profile: comforting, fragrant, and softly spiced
How to use apple cinnamon simple syrup
- In coffee or lattes: Stir into hot coffee or milk drinks for a cozy, spiced sweetness without needing flavored creamers.
- In tea: Especially good in black tea or chai-style blends, where the apple and cinnamon echo the warm notes already there.
- Over breakfast bowls: Drizzle over oatmeal, yogurt, or granola to add fruit sweetness and gentle spice. If you want something fruity to pair with your morning oatmeal, try my peach syrup.
- On pancakes or waffles: A homemade alternative to bottled syrup, with real apple flavor in every bite.
- In sparkling water: Add a little to chilled sparkling water for a light apple-cinnamon soda that feels comforting yet refreshing.
Storage & shelf life
Once cooled, store in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
Always use a clean spoon to maintain freshness, and give the jar a gentle shake before using if any settling occurs.
Variations
- Classic apple syrup: Skip the cinnamon for a true apple syrup.
- Ginger apple: Add fresh ginger for gentle spice and brightness.
- Citrus apple: Simmer with lemon or orange peel for a fresh, lively note.
- Brown sugar apple: Swap in brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this syrup with any type of apple?
Yes! Sweet apples give a mellow flavor, while tart apples add brightness. Mixing varieties can create a more complex, balanced taste.
Will the syrup thicken as it cools?
Yes, it will naturally thicken slightly once chilled. You can reheat gently if you want a thinner consistency.
Can I use it in drinks other than coffee?
Absolutely! It’s great in cocktails, mocktails, sparkling water, tea, or even to add a sweet apple touch to sauces and baked goods.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine-mesh strainer or sieve
- Sterilized bottle or jar
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped (sweet varieties)
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice to brighten
Instructions
- Add apples, sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat until apples soften (about 8–10 minutes).
- Lightly mash the apples to release juices.
- Continue simmering 12–15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice, if using.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing apples to extract syrup. Discard solids.
- Let cool and transfer to a jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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Welcome! I’m Rakiya, a syrup enthusiast with 5 years of experience developing flavors. Every recipe is tested and refined for tasty results. My tips, variations and photos come directly from my kitchen experiments.
