12 Coffee Syrup Recipes to Upgrade Your Brew

If you're feeling like your morning brew is becoming a little ordinary, try one of these homemade coffee syrup recipes to give it an upgrade. You'll find common favorites like pumpkin spice and gingerbread, as well as a couple of new flavors you never knew existed.

Pumpkin spice syrup in a small decorative jar, a spoon of pumpkin pie spice and a glass of pumpkin spice latte on the side.

And let's be honest, who actually loves those store-bought syrups with mile-long ingredient lists?

These coffee flavors aren't just for sweater weather. You can enjoy them all year long! Pour the syrups into a cold brew or an iced capp, or even drizzle a little over a scoop of ice cream (such as this homemade banana ice cream); so good!

They also double as food gifts for friends, family and coworkers (just like my recipe for mug cake mix and cookie mix in a jar). Simply pick up a couple of nice glass bottles, funnel the syrup in and add a few decorations.

In this round up, I've got a syrup for every month of the year, so your coffee routine will never get boring. I suggest starting with the caramel brûlée sauce, complete with a Starbucks copycat latte recipe (my absolute favorite!). But I personally love having multiple flavors on hand. Enjoy!

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Homemade Coffee Syrup Recipes
Joss' Top Tip
Coffee Syrup FAQs
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Which Recipe Will You Pick?

Homemade Coffee Syrup Recipes

Caramel brûlée latte and sauce on blue background.

Caramel Brûlée Syrup

Starbucks still hasn't topped the caramel brûlée latte-it's the best holiday flavor they've ever had. The caramel brûlée coffee syrup is so delicious and this copycat recipe, that includes instructions for how to make the latte as well, is spot on! It was tested side-by-side to get the flavor and ingredients just right.

Caramel Brûlée Syrup Recipe

Gingerbread latte and gingerbread coffee syrup.

Gingerbread Syrup

Gingerbread is another favorite holiday flavor of mine and this recipe uses an easy hack to make the syrup without any fuss, plus it gives latte instructions. I also like to use gingerbread syrup in milkshakes or drizzle it over ice cream and gingerbread cake balls.

Gingerbread Syrup Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Everyone's favorite fall flavor is here in syrup form: pumpkin spice! This DIY pumpkin coffee syrup is extra flavor-infusing with its warm spices and real pumpkin purée. It tastes amazing in this toasted marshmallow latte. Besides coffee, a delicious and unique way of using this syrup is in transparent pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup Recipe

Orgeat

If you've never heard of orgeat before, it's a classic tiki cocktail syrup but it has uses beyond the bar cart. Made with almonds and a touch of orange flower water, it sweetens your coffee and adds a unique, nutty, floral flavor.

Orgeat Recipe

Simple syrup in bottle and small measuring cup.

Vanilla Simple Syrup

This recipe is for a simple syrup in 3 different flavors, one being the classic vanilla! What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make at home: simply heat some sugar and water together, add the vanilla and it's done! Your coffee will get an immediate flavor boost.

Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe

Caramel syrup in a jar and hot coffee in a mug.

Caramel Syrup For Coffee

You only need 2 ingredients plus water to make this rich, buttery, caramel coffee syrup. The dark rum is an optional ingredient that gives your syrup a unique edge and a hit of boozy warmth, making your java feel extra indulgent.

Caramel Syrup For Coffee Recipe

Kitchen Treaty

Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

If you enjoy the Starbucks cinnamon dolce latte or you're just craving the warm spice, then you'll love this copycat cinnamon syrup. Simply use it in your coffee or drizzle it over pancakes. The recipe is easy and quick with a low-ingredient count!

Cinnamon Dolce Syrup Recipe

The Heirloom Pantry

Lavender Syrup

This lavender syrup will infuse your coffee with just a hint of floral flavor without being too much. I love that it's sweetened with honey and it's great for more than just coffee: use it for tea, lemonade, cocktails, baked goods and more. It's a fun way to mix things up!

Lavender Syrup Recipe

Basics With Bails

Sugar Cookie Copycat Syrup

Sugar cookie is another fun flavor that Starbucks has in their coffee shops and it's actually quite simple to recreate it at home with this sugar cookie copycat syrup. It's the perfect treat to get you in a festive mood. Just like the fresh-from-the-oven cookies, it can make your home smell amazing!

Sugar Cookie Copycat Syrup Recipe

Greedy Girl Gourmet

Chai Simple Syrup

The aromatic spices in chai tea are earthy, warming and wonderful to sip on when mornings are cool. Making this chai simple syrup is cheaper and quicker than heading to the coffee shop and it keeps for quite a while, especially if you freeze it.

Chai Simple Syrup Recipe

Creators of Coffee

Hazelnut Syrup

Hazelnut syrup brings a sweet, nutty flavor to your cup of Joe, and it's made with REAL, roasted hazelnuts in a homemade sugar syrup! No fake flavors here. This recipe also provides some yummy options for using the roasted hazelnuts afterwards instead of discarding them.

Hazelnut Syrup Recipe

Coffee Copycat

Banana Bread Syrup

This banana bread syrup captures the cozy flavor of freshly baked banana bread-no oven required! You can enjoy it in your coffee in a jiffy without the artificial flavor you would get from store-bought syrups. It's also budget-friendly and who doesn't love that?!

Banana Bread Syrup Recipe

Joss' Top Tip

For an even more delicious coffee experience, try mixing different flavors to create your own signature drink! For example, try blending lavender with vanilla syrup into your coffee for a soothing floral twist, or pair banana bread and chai for cozy, bakery-inspired comfort in every sip.

Coffee Syrup FAQs

Why did my syrup crystallize?

This can happen sometimes if the sugar wasn't fully dissolved or the mixture was exposed to extreme temperature changes. Try reheating it gently with a splash of water, until fully dissolved again.

How long does homemade coffee syrup last?

Simple syrups can normally last up to 1 month in the fridge but different flavors can vary.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Yes, homemade syrups do not contain the preservatives and higher sugar content that commercial syrups usually do, so they need to be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.

What other food and drink can I use coffee syrup in?

Try it in tea, milkshakes, steamed milk, lemonade or drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, oatmeal, yogurt and other desserts.

Can I make it sugar free or low sugar?

You can, but I haven't tested it. Some alternatives to sugar include monk fruit sweetener, stevia and xylitol. Just note that the amount needed will vary.