Easy Cardamom Simple Syrup

People underestimate how simple (HA!) it is to make an infused simple syrup.  Seriously, like 5 minutes.  And while I often gravitate toward herbs such as basil or rosemary, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of making a green cardamom simple syrup for a while.

I saw a recipe for a grapefruit cardamom gin cocktail that really got me thinking, though it required me to infuse the gin with cardamom which…that’s a bigger commitment.

So I went the simple syrup route instead, and I think you’ll love it!  This is great in my grapefruit cardamom gin cocktail or a spiced peach bourbon cocktail (instead of cinnamon) and plays a starring role in this unique citrus cardamom coffee spritzer. 

I also love adding a splash of this to my best ever iced coffee, including a little of it in glazes for baked goods, and it elevates a number of amazing gin cocktails.

So to kick this off, you want to break open the cardamom pods.  I simply set them on a cutting board and crush them open using the flat of a large chef’s knife.

Making the simple syrup is so easy it’s ridiculous.  Just add water and sugar to a saucepan and turn the burner on medium-high. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and add the cardamom pods and little black seeds (it doesn’t really matter when, I usually wait til the sugar is dissolved).

Keep stirring until it *just* comes to a (gentle) boil.  Once the bubbles start coming up indicating it’s starting to boil, remove it from the heat.  Let it sit for about half an hour to steep and cool.

The last step is just to strain out the cardamom pods and seeds (I use a tiny mesh strainer), pour into a container, and refrigerate.  It should last a few weeks in the fridge (though I’ll be honest…it’s been in mine well over a month now).

Other interesting cocktail flavors you’ll love:

• Easy Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Easy Blueberry Simple Syrup
• Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup
• Bohemian Cocktail (Gin, Elderflower, & Grapefruit)
• Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail
• A Different Take on Poinsettia Punch (Berry, Lemon, Spice, & Gin)
• Easy Spiced Pear Simple Syrup

Print Recipe

Easy Cardamom Simple Syrup

The super easy cardamom simple syrup only takes a few minutes to make, and is a unique interesting addition to delicious cocktails, iced coffee, and more!

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Additional Time3 minutes mins

Total Time8 minutes mins

Course: Drinks: Cocktails & More

Servings: 5 -6 ounces

Equipment

• Set of 3 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers
• 5 oz. Clear Glass Bottle
• Whole Green Cardamom Pods

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• ~5 green cardamom pods
• A tiny pinch of salt

Instructions

• You want to break open the cardamom pods first.  I simply set them on a cutting board and crush them open using the flat of a large chef's knife.
• Add the water and sugar to a saucepan and turn the burner on medium-high. 
• Stir until the sugar dissolves, and add the cardamom pods and little black seeds (it doesn't really matter when, I usually wait til the sugar is dissolved).
• Once the bubbles start coming up indicating it's starting to boil, remove it from the heat and add the pinch of salt.  Let it sit for about half an hour to steep and cool.
• Strain out the cardamom pods and seeds (I use a tiny mesh strainer), pour into a container, and refrigerate.  Should last a few weeks in the fridge.