Homemade Syrups Add Fall Flavor to Coffee

Grabbing coffee is one of the greatest pleasures in life (well, at least for us it is)!  As much as we love it when a barista hands over a heavenly latte complete with decorative foam, we have to admit that going out for coffee on the regular is not exactly cost effective.  Would you believe us when we say that it’s easy (and maybe even a little fun) to make coffee syrups at home?  This gives you the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and customize your coffees in the blink of an eye.  Plus, you can even use these syrups in homemade cocktails!  In this blog, we’re talking about the cozy, comforting syrups you can make right from your own kitchen – it’s simple to add fall flavor to coffee!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

It wouldn’t be a blog about fall-flavored coffee if we didn’t mention pumpkin spice!

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup brown sugar (or use white sugar for a lighter flavor)

• 3 tbsp pumpkin purée

• 2 tsp Member’s Mark™ Pumpkin Spice Seasoning

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 1. Combine ingredients:
      In a small saucepan, whisk together water, sugar, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin spice.

   2. Simmer:
      Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.

   3. Strain (optional):
      For a smoother syrup (especially for coffee), strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pumpkin solids.

   4. Add vanilla:
      Stir in vanilla extract once removed from heat.

Brown Sugar Vanilla Syrup

A classic syrup that also tastes great in an iced latte!

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise)

• Optional: pinch of salt (enhances flavor)

Instructions:

1. Combine: In a small saucepan, add the brown sugar and water.

2. Heat: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves (about 3–5 minutes).

3. Add vanilla:

   • If using vanilla extract, remove the syrup from heat first and stir it in.

   • If using a vanilla bean, add it while simmering, then remove it after the syrup cools.

Toasted Pecan Syrup

Try this one in a cocktail!

• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on richness desired)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of Member’s Mark™ Sea Salt

• Optional: 1–2 tsp butter (for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans:

   • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the chopped pecans and toast for 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.

   • (Watch closely — they burn fast!)

2. Make the Syrup Base:

   • In a small saucepan, combine water and brown sugar.

   • Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Infuse the Flavor:

   • Add the toasted pecans and a pinch of salt.

   • Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

   • (If you’d like a buttery flavor, stir in butter now.)

4. Strain & Finish:

   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

   • Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pecans.

   • Stir in vanilla extract.

Apple Crisp Syrup

A unique fall syrup for the non-pumpkin people!

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup 100% pure apple juice

• 1 apple, sliced

• 2 Member’s Mark™ Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, water, apple juice, apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Stir until brown sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove the apple crisp simple syrup from the heat and pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the apple slices and cinnamon sticks.