Orange Spiced Simple Syrup Recipe | Perfect for Cocktails & Beverages

Add a burst of citrus and warmth with orange spiced simple syrup. Easy to make and ideal for cocktails, teas, and desserts. Orange Spiced Simple Syrup is a vibrant and aromatic syrup that brings the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and cozy spice to your drinks and desserts. Made with fresh orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar, this syrup is easy to prepare and a fantastic addition to cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, or even drizzled over pancakes and desserts. Elevate your beverage game with this homemade syrup that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. 

Take your simple syrup game to another level by making it spicy, sweet and aromatic. A simple syrup is usually a liquid sweetener that is usually perfect t in cocktails,drinks or even for decorating cake. It can also be used to sweeten foods like fresh fruits and baked goodies. When it comes to making the simple syrup the ratio of sugar to water is usually between 1:1 or 2:1 respectively. Then the mixture is simmered for around 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced to about half of its original quantity or volume. Now that is the basic way of making a simple syrup but you can add character to your simple syrup by spicing it up. And that is where flavoured simple syrups come into. Common flavours include lemon simple syrup, vanilla simple syrup, cinnamon simple syrup, ginger simple syrup, and even mint simple syrup among others.

The flavored ones are best for topping sliced fruit, pancakes, baked goods and even ice cream. Flavored simple syrups can also be drizzled over desserts or used to glaze them, to sweeten lemonades, iced coffee, cocktails, iced tea or other cold beverages. Simple syrups can be stored in airtight containers or jars for up to 6 months or more. If you want to prolong the shelf life even further, you can add a small quantity of vodka to it, about one shot of vodka into two cups of simple syrup. A flavored or simple syrup takes a few minutes to prepare yet you can use it in countless ways!

INGREDIENTS

2 Cinnamon Sticks
1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/8 Teaspoon Cloves
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/4 Slice Orange
1/2 Cup Water

METHOD
Pour water in deep bottomed pan

Pour in sugar

Add cinnamon sticks

Add the orange slice

Add the cloves and nutmeg

Stir the mixture together and bring to a boil

Keep stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved

Let cook until reduced a bitbit then remove from the heat and let it steep for five minutes

Strain with a fine mesh into a glass jar and allow to cool before refrigerating for later use

The orange provides a citrusy flavour to this spicy simple syrup

Smells so good and tastes even better. You can use to add to your cocktail mixes or even pour over pancakes, crepes and ice cream if you let it reduce further to give you a thickened syrup

ORANGE SPICED SIMPLE SYRUP

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 5 Minutes
Cook time: 40 Minutes
Total time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 1/2 Jar
Ingredients

• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/8 Teaspoon Cloves
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 Slice Orange
• 1/2 Cup Water

Cooking Directions

1. Pour water in a deep heavy bottomed pan
2. Add in the Cinnamon Sticks, Nutmeg, Cloves, Sugar and Orange slice
3. Bring to boil, then turn down heat to simmer until mixture has halved
4. Strain with a fine mesh into a glass jar and allow to cool before refrigerating for later use

Orange Spiced Simple Syrup: FAQs

What is Orange Spiced Simple Syrup?
Orange Spiced Simple Syrup is a flavored syrup made by simmering sugar and water with fresh orange zest or juice and warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or star anise. It adds a sweet and aromatic citrus-spice note to beverages and desserts.

How can I use Orange Spiced Simple Syrup?
This syrup is versatile and can be used to sweeten cocktails, teas, lemonades, or coffee. It’s also great for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or desserts like cakes and ice cream to add a fragrant, sweet layer of flavor.

How long does Orange Spiced Simple Syrup last?
When stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup can last up to 2-3 weeks. Always check for any signs of fermentation or off smells before use.

Can I adjust the spice level in the syrup?
Absolutely. You can control the intensity of spices by adding more or fewer cinnamon sticks, cloves, or other spices according to your taste preference.

Is Orange Spiced Simple Syrup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, the syrup contains only sugar, water, orange, and spices, making it both vegan and gluten-free.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1 tablespoon/15ml)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~50 kcal	From sugar
Carbohydrates	~13 g	All from sugars
Protein	0 g	None
Fat	0 g	None
Saturated Fat	0 g	None
Fiber	0 g	Negligible
Sodium	0 mg	None

Note: Nutritional values are based on standard sugar syrup without additives.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegan	✅ Yes	Contains no animal products
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Suitable for vegetarians
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no dairy
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no nuts
Keto-Friendly	❌ No	High sugar content
Paleo-Friendly	❌ No	Contains refined sugar

Tip: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a paleo-friendly alternative.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.