Home » RECIPES » Cardamom Syrup

Cardamom Syrup

5 from 5 votes
Time: 15 minutes
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This Cardamom Syrup recipe is a great way to add warmth and spice to your iced coffee, craft mocktails and cocktails, tea, and more. Made with 3 simple ingredients: green cardamom pods, granulated sugar, and water, it is super easy to make and takes only minutes to make.

If you are looking for another way to use your cardamom pods, you have to try these Cardamom Spiced Coffee Cake Muffins!

Bottle of Cardamom Simple Syrup.

A few years ago I was gifted green cardamom pods for Christmas, and believe it or not, but that was the first time I had cardamom that doesn’t come pre-ground and in a glass shaker bottle. I was so captivated by the unique spicy-sweet flavor that I became obsessed. If you haven’t tried some for yourself, you have got to!

What Is Cardamom?

Cardamom is a special spice because it is used in many different ways all over the world. In this recipe we use green cardamom pods which are shaped like spindles and filled with many small black seeds.

What Does Cardamom Taste Like?

Cardamom is a very strong and pungent flavored spice that tastes sweet, spicy, with hint of floral to it. If you have had chai spice, you have most definitely tasted cardamom. Cardamom pairs well with a lot of different flavors sweet and savory alike. Some common ones that go great with this Cardamom Simple Syrup are coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, coconut, ginger, plum, pear, apricot, apple, vanilla, and mulled wine.

Make It With Me! Watch This 30 Second Tutorial:

Ingredients for Cardamom Syrup

3 simple ingredients is all you will need to make the most authentic tasting Cardamom Simple Syrup without preservatives! Keep reading for a few notes and potential substitutions.

  • Granulated Sugar: Any type of sugar will work in this recipe. I prefer granulated sugar because it is what I always have on hand and it has the most neutral taste.
  • Water: Tap water, filtered water, bottled water… water is water so use what you prefer.
  • Cardamom Pods: I use the green variety because they are the easiest to find in the U.S. Black cardamom pods will work as well but the flavor will be slightly altered as they do not taste the same as green cardamom pods.
Ingredients. Granulated sugar, water, and green cardamom pods.

How To Make Cardamom Syrup From Scratch

Here’s a short summary of the steps, the recipe card will have more details.

  1. Crush the cardamom pods lightly (using a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or the flat side of a knife).
  2. Simmer together the sugar, water, and cardamom tops for about 10 minutes (stirring occasionally).
  3. Cover the saucepan with it’s lid, remove from the heat, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  4. Strain the cardamom pods from the Cardamom Simple Syrup using a fine mesh strainer.
  5. Store in an airtight container or glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to a month.

How to Use Cardamom Syrup

I know what you are thinking… how do I use this syrup? Well there are many ways, but here is a few to get your gears turning.

  • in craft mocktails, cocktails, lemonade, and other drinks
  • as a sweetener in your coffee and cold brew
  • to enhance the flavors of teas like black tea or chai tea
  • as a syrup to moisten baked goods: cake layers, quick breads, etc.
  • flavor homemade whipped cream by adding a splash to it

Drink Recipes To Try It In:

Pouring Cardamom Syrup into a shot glass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Where can I buy cardamom pods?

Cardamom pods can easily be found at your local grocery store in the spice aisle. If you are unable to find them, they can also be bought online. These are the ones I buy on Amazon.

Can I use ground cardamom?

I do not recommend using ground cardamom in this recipe because the flavor just isn’t the same. Without the essential oil of the cardamom in the pod and seeds, it loses its flavor quickly and does not steep very well in the syrup.

How much Cardamom Syrup should I use in my drinks and cocktails?

I like to follow this rule: For every 8 to 10 ounces of liquid add 1 tablespoon of the simple syrup. Be sure to test your drink before adding more Cardamom Simple Syrup because cardamom can become overpowering very quickly.

Cardamom Syrup in a glass bottle with a shot of the simple syrup next to it.

Thanks for dropping in! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter for fun NEW CONTENT and CONVERSATION delivered to your inbox. If you love this recipe save it now so you can find it later. Thank you for your support!

Enjoy Entirely, Elizabeth
Bottle of Cardamom Simple Syrup.

Cardamom Syrup

Elizabeth Swoish
This easy Cardamom Simple Syrup takes minutes to make and you only need three ingredients: green cardamom pods, granulated sugar, and water. It is a unique way to add complexity and spice to your favorite drinks.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Servings 16 (1 tablespoons each)
Calories 48 kcal

EQUIPMENT

  • Small Saucepan with Lid
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • glass jar - or other airtight syrup container

INGREDIENTS
 
 

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 20-30 cardamom pods - green

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Lightly crush the green cardamom pods. I use a mortar and pestle but a rolling pin or the flat side of a knife will crush them as well.
  • To a small saucepan add the sugar, water, and crushed cardamom.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and allow the Cardamom Simple Syrup cool to room temperature.
  • Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the cardamom pods from the syrup and pour into an airtight glass bottle or container.
  • Refrigerate for up to one month.

VIDEO

RECIPE NOTES

Storing Information:

  • Refrigerated in an airtight container or glass jar, up to one month.
  • Freeze into cubes and then in a plastic bag, up to a year.

Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Tried this recipe?Feel free to share a rating and comment below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media, or use the hashtag #EntirelyElizabeth – I would love to see what you’ve made!
Shop the products I cannot live without... and don't miss out on exclusive discount codes.
By Elizabeth Swoish on September 7th, 2022
Elizabeth Swoish holding a camera up to her eye taking a photo.

About Elizabeth Swoish

Elizabeth Swoish is the founder and CEO of Entirely Elizabeth. She is a self-taught foodie and mocktail enthusiast with a business degree in data analysis. Read Elizabeth's food journey or connect on your favorite social media channels.

6 thoughts on “Cardamom Syrup”

  1. 5 stars
    I can’t believe how much flavour you get out of a few pods and 10 minutes cooking.

    My daughter is obsessed with chia lattes! That syrup costs a fortune. So adding this to whipped cream gave her an extra boost of flavour and meant she needed less spiced latte syrup!!!

    It tasted so good! I can’t wait to bake with it. Great recipe!

    I wonder can I make chai syrup????

    Reply
    • Hey Claire;
      I definitely think you could easily turn this into chai! Whether than means steeping some chai tea bags into the sugar and water OR using whole chai spice.
      I feel like I need to try it now!
      ~Elizabeth

  2. 5 stars
    The combination of warm, spicy cardamom in a sweet, sticky syrup is pure perfection.

    Not only is this syrup amazing on its own, but it’s the perfect addition to my morning iced coffee. I added just a splash of the syrup to my cold brew, which completely elevated the whole experience. It’s like a little taste of luxury to start my day!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Tell me how you like it!