Orange Simple Syrup is easy to make and takes only a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. Perfect for adding some amazing orange flavor to cocktails, cakes, or other desserts!
Let me set the scene for you: it’s a cozy afternoon, you’re tinkering around the kitchen, and the smell of fresh oranges and warm cinnamon is swirling through the air. That’s what making this Spiced Orange Simple Syrup feels like—a little pocket of warm sunshine. This syrup is bold, citrusy, lightly spiced, and just… cozy. It’s the perfect homemade touch to cocktails, desserts, and even your morning tea.
I actually stumbled upon this recipe by a happy accident. I was making candied orange slices, and the first step is to boil orange slices in a water/sugar bath. Once finished, I realized I had also made this delicious homemade orange simple syrup as a byproduct. Since then, I've been using it in so many ways!
There are so many reasons to love this recipe:
- It’s ridiculously easy. Like, stir-a-few-things-in-a-pot easy.
- It’s versatile. Use it in drinks, drizzle it on desserts, or mix it into salad dressings for an easy way to add some nice citrus flavor.
- It’s a pantry MVP. A little bottle of orange simple syrup in your fridge? Instant flavor upgrade for everything.
In This Post
Key Ingredients
Seriously, just 3 ingredients are all you need to make this orange simple syrup recipe.
- Fresh oranges. Bright, juicy, sunshine-packed goodness. I like to use organic oranges for this recipe since we're using the peels. The type of orange you use really depends on what's available. Navel, blood, or cara cara oranges all work beautifully here, so go with what’s in season or what makes you happy. Their zest and peels are the stars of the show and what makes this orange syrup sing.
- White sugar. The classic base for a simple syrup. Want something with more depth? Swap in raw sugar or even coconut sugar for a caramel-y vibe.
- Water. Yup, just plain water. It keeps everything balanced and helps extract all that orange flavor goodness.
- Cinnamon stick (optional): Ok - it's up to you if you want to add the cinnamon, and may depend on how you foresee using this simple syrup. Adding this turns your syrup into something a little spiced (and tastes amazing when used for an Old Fashioned!).
How To Make Spiced Orange Simple Syrup
The process could not be easier. Here's what you'll do:
- Prep your oranges. Give those beauties a good wash (especially since you’re using the peels). Carefully peel the skin, avoiding the bitter white pith. Pro tip: Squeeze out a little juice while you’re at it—it’s like bonus flavor insurance.
- Combine it all. In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, the orange peels, and a cinnamon stick (if you’re feeling the spice vibes). Stir it together and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer for flavor. Turn down the heat and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where everything comes together—the sugar dissolves, the orange peels release their oils, and the cinnamon does its warm, spicy thing. (Note - if you're after a deeper orange flavor, simmer the peels for a bit longer, up to about 20 minutes.)
- Cool and strain. Take the pot off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the peels and cinnamon stick.
- Store. Pop your syrup in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a month. Or, if you’re like me and love having “just a little” of everything on hand, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it for easy, portioned-out goodness. Once the cubes freeze, transfer them to a ziplock bag and use as needed.
Variations And Substitutions
There are lots of ways to change up this easy recipe
- Swap the sugar. Brown sugar or maple syrup adds a deeper, richer flavor. Perfect for fall cocktails or cozy baked goods.
- Add some extra spices. Want to really lean into those warm vibes? Add a few whole cloves or a star anise pod to the mix.
- Blood oranges. These beauties add a gorgeous pink hue and a slightly tangy twist.
- Juicy boost. Add a splash of fresh orange juice for an extra pop of citrus.
- Deepen the flavor. The longer you boil the orange peels, the more intense the orange flavor will be. If you plan on boiling for more than 20 minutes, you may want to add a bit more water/sugar, as the liquid will reduce with time on the stove. Just keep your sugar/water ratio 1:1.
- Make a big batch. Orange simple syrup also makes a great gift! You double the batch pour into pretty bottles, tie a ribbon around them and you're good to go!
Ways to Use Your Spiced Orange Simple Syrup
This versatile syrup isn’t just for fancy cocktails (although it’s fabulous there). The bright orange flavor is a great addition to all sorts of recipes. Try it in:
- Cocktail recipes. Add it to a blood orange margarita or a spiced old-fashioned (yum!).
- Iced Tea and Lemonade. Stir it into your favorite drinks for a sweet, citrusy kick.
- Desserts. Drizzle it over ice cream, or even yogurt bowls.
- Baking. Brush it on cake layers for extra moisture and flavor.
- Breakfast superstar! This tastes great when brushed across pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Salad dressings. Whisk it with olive oil and a splash of vinegar for a zesty salad dressing. Add a bit of orange zest for some extra color!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Lemons, limes, or grapefruits are all fair game. Each one brings its own unique flavor profile to the syrup.
In the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to a month when stored in an airtight jar. For longer storage, freeze it in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to an airtight container and put them back into the freezer.
Nope! It’s totally optional. If you’re not into warm spices, you can leave it out and stick with pure orange goodness.
Yes! Just know that it might make the syrup a little darker and less clear.
For a thicker syrup, boil it longer until it reduces to the consistency you want.
This Spiced Orange Simple Syrup is one of those small but mighty recipes that just makes life better. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s brimming with bright, citrusy flavor. Plus, it’s totally customizable. Keep it classic, spice it up, or get creative with your citrus choices—the possibilities are endless. So grab some oranges, make your kitchen smell amazing, and let this syrup work its magic in everything from cocktails to cakes.
Don’t forget to rate the recipe below, and let me know how you’re using it in the comments or @frontrangefed in IG! I’m always here for the inspo. Cheers to bright, citrusy goodness!
Recipe
How To Make Spiced Orange Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large oranges
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the oranges well then peel the skin from each orange.
- Add a cup of water to a medium-sized saucepan, along with 1 cup of sugar, the orange peels and the cinnamon stick if using.
- Stir well, then bring the water to a boil, cooking the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. About 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool. Strain the liquid from the oranges into a separate container.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Notes
- The longer you boil the orange mixture, the stronger your syrup will be. If boiling for longer, you may wish to increase the amount of water/sugar to achieve the same amount of syrup in this recipe. (Keep the ratio of water/syrup 1:1.)
- If freezing, use the ice cube method! Pour the syrup into ice cube trays, then freeze. Once frozen, remove the orange simple syrup cubes from the tray and freeze in a ziplock bag for future use.
Comments
No Comments