Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I only need a few simple pantry ingredients.
I make it in less than 20 minutes.
I enjoy the warm, fragrant flavor of cardamom.
I use it in coffee, tea, cocktails, and desserts.
I can easily adjust the sweetness to my preference.
I store it in the refrigerator for weeks and use it whenever I need it.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
10–12 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Directions

I combine the water, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods in a small saucepan.
I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
I reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the cardamom infuses its flavor.
I remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup steep for another 10 to 15 minutes for a stronger flavor.
If I am using vanilla extract or orange zest, I stir it in after removing the syrup from the heat.
I strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the cardamom pods.
I let the syrup cool completely before sealing and refrigerating it.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 16 tablespoons (approximately 1 cup syrup)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Steeping Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

I add a cinnamon stick for a warm spice blend.
I include a few whole cloves for extra depth.
I stir in a little rose water after cooling for a floral touch.
I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
I add fresh ginger slices while simmering for a spicy variation.
I infuse the syrup with a strip of lemon or orange peel for a bright citrus note.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cooled syrup in a clean, airtight glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. If the syrup becomes slightly thick after chilling, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or warm it gently before using. I always use a clean spoon when serving to help keep the syrup fresh.

FAQs

Can I use ground cardamom instead of whole pods?

Yes. I can use ground cardamom, but I prefer whole pods because they produce a cleaner flavor and make the syrup easier to strain.

What can I use cardamom syrup for?

I enjoy adding it to coffee, lattes, chai, tea, cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, sparkling water, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, and desserts.

How long does homemade cardamom syrup last?

I keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Can I make this syrup less sweet?

Yes. I can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, although the syrup may be thinner and won’t keep as long.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I simply double all of the ingredients while following the same cooking and steeping method.

Conclusion

I love keeping this Easy Cardamom Syrup on hand because it instantly adds warm, aromatic flavor to my favorite drinks and desserts. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and much more flavorful than many store-bought syrups. Whether I stir it into my morning coffee or drizzle it over breakfast treats, this homemade syrup always brings a touch of cozy sweetness to every serving.

Easy Cardamom Syrup Recipe

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This Easy Cardamom Syrup is a fragrant homemade simple syrup infused with warm cardamom for a cozy, aromatic flavor. It’s perfect for sweetening coffee, tea, cocktails, mocktails, pancakes, and desserts.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 tablespoons (about 1 cup)
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
10–12 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

Combine the water, sugar, and lightly crushed cardamom pods in a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to infuse the syrup with cardamom flavor.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in the vanilla extract or orange zest, if using.
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the cardamom pods.
Allow the syrup to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Notes

Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, or fresh ginger while simmering for additional flavor.
Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer caramel-like syrup.
Stir in a little rose water after cooling for a floral variation.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
If the syrup thickens after chilling, let it sit at room temperature or warm gently before using.
Use a clean spoon each time to help keep the syrup fresh.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 50 kcal
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg