Apple Cider Syrup
Apple Cider Syrup
Cozy-fall-in-a-jar! This small-batch apple cider syrup simmers fresh cider with warm spices for a pourable concentrate that sweetens lattes, pancakes, cocktails, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- Optional: 1 star anise • 1 strip orange peel • tiny pinch salt
Choose good cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider (not apple juice) gives the richest flavor.
Step-by-Step
- Simmer. Add cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened and reduced by ~⅓.
- Strain & cool. Remove spices; strain for a smooth syrup if desired. Cool completely—the syrup thickens more as it chills.
- Bottle. Transfer to a clean jar or squeeze bottle and refrigerate.
Shine & stability: Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice or 1 Tbsp light corn syrup with the sugar to help prevent crystallization.
How to Use Apple Cider Syrup
- Latte / Cappuccino: 1–2 Tbsp syrup + espresso + steamed milk.
- Iced Coffee / Cold Brew: 1–2 Tbsp stirred in; add milk or cream.
- Apple Cider Steamer: 2 Tbsp syrup + steamed milk (no coffee) with cinnamon dusting.
- Breakfast: Drizzle on pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal, or yogurt parfaits.
- Desserts: Spoon over vanilla ice cream, apple crisp, or pound cake.
- Cocktails & Mocktails: Swap for simple syrup in bourbon smashes, whiskey sours, or sparkling apple sodas (2–3 Tbsp + seltzer over ice).
Variations & Pro Tips
- Maple Cider Syrup: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup; add maple after simmering.
- Vanilla Cider: Stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract off heat.
- Extra-Spiced: Add a slice of fresh ginger while simmering; strain.
YieldAbout ¾–1 cup (12–16 Tbsp)
Total Time~15 minutes (plus cooling)
AllergensNone common
StorageRefrigerate airtight up to 2 weeks. Shake before using.
Make-AheadFlavor deepens after 24 hours.