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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Cardamom Syrup

    Published: Sep 11, 2023 by Toni

    Make the best homemade cardamom syrup infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus – perfect for coffee, chai, and desserts! Plus, it's ready to enjoy in just 15 minutes!

    Jump to Recipe
    completed Cardamom Syrup in a jar with a spoonful showing consistency

    Table of contents

    • Quick, Easy, and Versatile Cardamom Simple Syrup
    • What Does Cardamom Taste Like?
    • The Ingredients
      • What Could I Add To This Cardamom Syrup Recipe?
    • How to Make Cardamom Syrup
    • Pro Recipe Tips
    • How to Use Cardamom Simple Syrup?
    • Storage Instructions

    Quick, Easy, and Versatile Cardamom Simple Syrup

    Simple syrups are a versatile flavoring - popularly used in hot drinks, lemonade, and various desserts – and readily available in many grocery stores/ online In several flavors.

    Unfortunately, most commercial versions come with a surprisingly high price tag considering simple syrup is just a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water, simmered until the sugar dissolves, optionally infused with other flavors.

    Luckily, that means they’re really simple to prepare at home, just like this 6-ingredient cardamom syrup (which isn’t a flavor you’ll find at most grocery stores). This vanilla cardamom syrup is fragrant, flavorful, and a unique way to flavor tons of drinks and dishes. Better yet, it’s quick and simple to make.

    What Does Cardamom Taste Like?

    While a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg or cloves is popularly used as a cardamom replacement, there’s much more to its flavor. In fact, cardamom comes from the seed pods of plants within the ginger family.

    It has a strong, pungent aroma with a flavor that, while warm and slightly sweet, like cinnamon and nutmeg, is also spicy/peppery, earthy, with a hint of floral, fruity citrus.

    Because of that, combining this aromatic ingredient with ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus peel helps to balance and enhance the cardamom flavor for a homemade cardamom syrup that’s out of this world!

    The Ingredients

    This 6-ingredients cardamom syrup pairs cardamom with complementary warm and aromatic flavors.

    ingredients for Cardamom Syrup measured out against a white surface
    • Cardamom pods: I prefer whole green cardamom pods, but any cardamom seeds will work (about 1-1 ½ teaspoon of seeds). Avoid ground cardamom.
    • Sugar: For the ‘cleanest’ flavor, it’s best to use regular granulated white sugar (use organic sugar to ensure it’s vegan).

    However, you can experiment with other types. I.e., brown sugar, demerara, turbinado, muscovado, coconut sugar, etc. Obviously, the flavor and color will differ.

    • Water: To make up the base of this cardamom simple syrup recipe.
    • Citrus peel: A combination of orange and lemon peels adds a bright, tangy, citrusy flavor depth that perfectly complements cardamom. Use just one or the other, if preferred, though.
    • Cinnamon: A cinnamon stick works best to avoid gritty syrup.
    • Vanilla extract: Use pure, natural vanilla extract for the best flavor or even a sliced open vanilla pod if you have one.

    What Could I Add To This Cardamom Syrup Recipe?

    • Nutmeg: Just a little will enhance the warmth of the syrup further.
    • Ginger: Add a small amount of grated ginger for a kick to the syrup.
    • Rose: Add rose water or edible rose petals to make a fragrant rose cardamom syrup.
    • Orange blossom water: Instead of rose, this floral water will also add a delicate yet aromatic depth to the syrup. Add ½ teaspoon or more, to taste.
    • Orange juice: To make more of a pronounced orange cardamom syrup, replace a small amount of the water with orange juice.

    How to Make Cardamom Syrup

    • 1) First, gently crush the cardamom pods with a rolling pin, mortar and pestle, or the bottom of a heavy glass, and slice the lemon and orange peel.
    • 2) Transfer the cardamom pods to a small saucepan and lightly toast them over medium heat for about a minute until fragrant.
    process shot of adding cardamom pods to pot
    • 3) Add the remaining ingredients (water, sugar, lemon & orange peel, vanilla, and a cinnamon stick), then stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
    process shot of adding water to pot
    process shot of adding sugar to pot
    process shot of adding lemon and orange peel to pot
    process shot of adding cinnamon stick to pot
    process shot of adding vanilla extract to pot

    If you’re using vanilla extract (vs. a pod), you may prefer to add it at the end, so no flavor is ‘cooked off.’

    • 4) Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to infuse and the syrup to reduce and thicken slightly.
    process shot of bringing pot ingredients to boil

    For a thin simple syrup, skip step 4. Instead, leave all the add-ins in the syrup to infuse while it cools before straining them.

    • 5) Pour the citrus vanilla cardamom simple syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into an airtight bottle or mason jar. Enjoy!

    Pro Recipe Tips

    • Use fresh cardamom: To ensure its flavor is at its best.
    • Adjust the ratio: Simple syrup combines equal parts sugar & water, simmering only until the sugar dissolves. Rich syrup uses a 2:1 ratio for a thicker, richer syrup (and extra natural preservative power). Alternatively, simmer the syrup to thicken and reduce it slightly.
    • Don’t boil it: Bring the syrup to the point of ‘just’ boiling and immediately lower it to a simmer. Otherwise, it can cause a bitter/ burned flavor.
    • To make low-sugar cardamom syrup: While using a sugar alternative is possible, the syrup will be thinner, and the shelf life may be affected.
    completed Cardamom Syrup in a jar with ingredients in the background

    How to Use Cardamom Simple Syrup?

    • Use it as a cardamom coffee syrup in hot or iced coffee, tea, and chai masala
    • In vegan hot chocolate
    • To flavor mocktails or lemonade
    • Add flavor to a fruit salad
    • Poach pears or plums with it
    • Add it to vegan sorbets
    • Brush it over layer cakes and cupcakes
    • Flavor vegan whipped cream or vegan frosting with it
    • Mix it into oatmeal or dairy-free yogurt
    • Drizzle it over vegan pancakes, waffles, and French toast
    • Gift it to others

    Cardamom pairs particularly with flavors like chai, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, pear, plums, apple, ginger, vanilla, etc.

    Storage Instructions

    Fridge: Allow it to cool, then store the cardamom syrup in an airtight glass bottle/jar in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.

    Freezer: I like to store homemade syrups in an ice cube tray. Because of the sugar, it won’t freeze solid, but you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

    Related Recipes

    • 2-Ingredient Raspberry Syrup
    • Easy Cranberry Pear Sauce

    If you try this homemade cardamom syrup recipe (as written or with changes), I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Cardamom Syrup in a jar with a spoonful showing consistency
    completed Cardamom Syrup in a jar with a spoonful showing consistency

    Cardamom Syrup

    Make the best homemade cardamom syrup infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus – perfect for coffee, chai, and desserts! Plus, it's ready to enjoy in just 15 minutes!
    5 from 40 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 0.33 cup of syrup
    Calories 1340 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • mesh strainer

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 cardamom pods, gently crushed to open
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 one inch lemon peel
    • 1 one inch orange peel
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the crushed cardamom pods and lightly toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add water, sugar, lemon peel, orange peel, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
    • Bing to boil. Then turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until it reaches a syrup-like consistency. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
    • Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the syrup into an airtight bottle or mason jar.
    • Keep stored in the refrigerator.

    Notes

    • Use fresh cardamom: To ensure its flavor is at its best.
    • Adjust the ratio: Simple syrup combines equal parts sugar & water, simmering only until the sugar dissolves. Rich syrup uses a 2:1 ratio for a thicker, richer syrup (and extra natural preservative power). Alternatively, simmer the syrup to thicken and reduce it slightly.
    • Don’t boil it: Bring the syrup to the point of ‘just’ boiling and immediately lower it to a simmer. Otherwise, it can cause a bitter/ burned flavor.
    • To make low-sugar cardamom syrup: While using a sugar alternative is possible, the syrup will be thinner, and the shelf life may be affected.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1340kcalCarbohydrates: 344gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 502mgFiber: 20gSugar: 304gVitamin A: 193IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 319mgIron: 6mg
    Keyword cardamom coffee syrup, cardamom simple syrup, cardamom syrup, orange cardamom syrup, vanilla cardamom syrup, vegan syrup, vegan syrup for desserts, vegan syrup for drinks
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      September 13, 2023 at 3:17 am

      5 stars
      I love the flavor of cardamom. This takes my morning coffee to another level. It tastes kind of exotic.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 15, 2023 at 10:33 pm

        Right?! It adds such a nice depth to it!

        Reply
    2. Sabine says

      September 13, 2023 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      This Cardamon syrup recipe is just perfect. So versatile and so good.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 15, 2023 at 10:33 pm

        Agreed! There are so many ways to enjoy it!

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth says

      September 14, 2023 at 3:42 am

      5 stars
      Love this for my cup of tea - so yummy!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 15, 2023 at 10:33 pm

        Yesss! Adds such a nice touch to the mix!

        Reply
    4. Melinda says

      September 14, 2023 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      This cardamom syrup was incredibly easy to make. I’m planning give it as gifts in little jars, during the holidays. It’s a great alternative to store bought sweetened syrup in coffee.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 15, 2023 at 10:33 pm

        Aw - love that idea so much!

        Reply
    5. Katie says

      September 14, 2023 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      This syrup is absolutely fantastic! Perfect addition to any fall drink and it's so easy to make!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 15, 2023 at 10:34 pm

        Right?! So simple and adds such a great element to drinks!

        Reply
    6. Andrea White says

      September 14, 2023 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      The flavor is so good!

      Reply
    7. nancy says

      September 15, 2023 at 1:08 am

      5 stars
      wow this cardamom syrup flavour is perfect. I want to add this to everything!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 15, 2023 at 10:34 pm

        Agreed! It's the best!

        Reply

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