Simmering toasted cardamom pods in water before adding the sugar helps pull out the floral, earthy flavor of this prized spice. This Cardamom Simple Syrup is a sweet, slightly floral syrup that is easy to make and is perfect for warm drinks.
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Why this works
- Toasting the cardamom pods helps bring out the flavor.
- Simmering the cardamom in water before adding sugar helps extract more flavor.
- Adding sugar after the water is infused with cardamom helps ensure the syrup doesn't boil down, which means you'll get consistent results every time.
How to make it
In short, simmer the toasted cardamom pods in water, then add sugar and stir until dissolved. The recipe card at the bottom has full instructions and quantities.
Tip: If you want a stronger cardamom flavor, double the amount of cardamom. Leaving the cardamom in overnight can result in a bitter flavor.
Toast the crushed cardamom pods for 30-45 seconds or until fragrant.
Simmer cardamom and water over low heat until liquid reduces by half, about 20 minutes.
Ingredient Notes:
Cardamom Pods: These are found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. Spice stores such as Penzys sell several varieties and any variety works for this. I used green cardamom (rather than black cardamom).
Note: DO NOT use ground cardamom. It will result in a grainy syrup that tastes great but feels like drinking sawdust. Ask me how I know....
Granulated Sugar: Plain granulated sugar is recommended due to its consistent results. The cardamom flavor is strong enough that brown sugar is a suitable alternative if you increase the amount of cardamom. Monkfruit, stevia, or alternative sweeteners are not ideal for this, and I recommend against them as the consistency (which is often important for drinks) and sweetness level will vary dramatically.
Related: SIMPLE SYRUPS FOR DRINKS: THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The above picture shows the difference between cardamom pods and dried ground cardamom.
Where to use cardamom simple syrup
Cardamom simple syrup can be added to most warm drinks, such as coffee, steamers, teas, and moon milk. It's also great in a mocktail or cocktail with subtle flavors.
Traditionally cardamom pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, such as chicken and curries or desserts, citrus, fruits, and dairy, respectively.
It can be used on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt or drizzled over a fresh fruit salad. I love equal parts heavy cream and cardamom simple syrup lightly whipped together and poured over fresh raspberries.
Related - If you're interested in simple syrups with a stronger flavor, I recommend the following:
Equipment
Small saucepan
Fine wire-mesh strainer
Storage bottle
Related: Check out the Tools and Tips for Simple Syrups article for product recommendations and explanations.
Tips
If you want a more intense cardamom-flavored syrup, use twice the amount of cardamom the recipe calls for, but keep the amount of final liquid and sugar the same.
Use a funnel to transfer the syrup to a storage bottle. It's worth doing in your sink to avoid sticky spills.
Hosting Tips
If you're serving warm drinks after dinner, such as coffee or tea, offering flavored syrups, such as cardamom syrup, ginger syrup, or rose syrup, is a nice touch. Syrups directly from the fridge can cool the drinks significantly, so keep that in mind when you're serving drinks!
Cheers!
Susan
FAQ
All spices have a shelf life, and cardamom is no different. Whole, unground cardamom can last longer than pre-ground cardamom.
In general, refer to the "best by" date on the package of spices you bought, as this is the best indicator of when the spices will still have the best flavor.
Stale spices are essentially sawdust and can detract from your food rather than add to it.
In the picture below, you can see the color difference in the pod's outer hull. I took this picture in 2022, just after I bought new cardamom. Both were the "Fancy Green Pods" from Penzys... just bought years apart! US quarter for scale. 
NO! Do NOT use ground cardamom! It will result in a grainy syrup that tastes great but feels like drinking sawdust. Ask me how I know....
I have tried using various ground cardamom, and then a variety of strainers, and I have been unsuccessful every time.
📖 Recipe
Cardamom Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Storage bottle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cardamom seed pods, crushed open
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Toast and Simmer the CardamomIn a small saucepan over medium heat, toast the crushed cardamom pods for 30-45 seconds or until fragrant. Add the water then bring to simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, or until water has reduced by about half.
- SteepRemove pan from heat, cover, and allow the cardamom to steep for an additional 30 minutes while the liquid cools.
- Strain and add sugarStrain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove the cardamom.Add the cardamom-infused water, which should be about 1 cup*, into a small mixing bowl. Add the sugar and stir until it's fully dissolved, about one minute.*If you've increased or decreased the original recipe, you should have about half the liquid you started with.
- StoreTransfer to an airtight storage container. Store in the fridge for up to four weeks.
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