Why Cinnamon Syrup Should Be On Your Fall Foods List

When the leaves start turning red and yellow, U.S. consumers start turning a little happier. In a 2020 OnePoll survey via People, 33% of Americans said fall was their favorite season. Even fans of beach days and hot sunshine couldn't deny the emotional and psychological effects of the autumnal season, with 56% of respondents saying they're happier during fall than any other time of year. Probably unsurprisingly, fall food is one of the main reasons folks said they most look forward to this time of year. Of course, 40% were eager to get soup season started — but baking seasonal treats like pies and having cinnamon apple-flavored foods ranked among the top reasons for celebrating.

Although, admittedly, not everybody is excited about fall flavors. News outlets have been lamenting the annual pumpkin spice palooza return for years. One Fox 5 article from 2018 complains that a variety of pumpkin spice-related products that usually flood the market in the fall are now available throughout the summer. Another piece published in 2015 by The Christian Science Monitor wondered why people love to hate pumpkin spice. So, if you're over the pumpkin spice craze, look no further. There are still plenty of other seasonal flavors on the market for every home cook in the fall mood. Here's why cinnamon syrup should be on your fall foods list.

Step aside pumpkin spice, apple, and maple! This year, fall is the season for cinnamon. This Spiced Simple Syrup recipe is a fittingly "simple" combination of simmered sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, and allspice berries, and it can take your fall foods to the next level. Per the recipe, this cinnamon syrup makes a great autumnal topping for pancakes — you can even stir a few spoonfuls into your pecan pie filling. It also pairs well with dark spirits like rum (fall-inspired Dark and Stormy, anyone?).

But, the cinnamon syrup can also function well in other cocktails, like a smoky whiskey sour (with a dash of maple syrup) or a spiced take on a hot toddy. According to spirits publication Imbibe, cinnamon is a back bar superstar and can give an aromatic taste to hot beverages, balance out savory cocktail components, convey an earthy warmth, and merge flavors in cold cocktails. Plus, it easily infuses into cocktails — and when made into a simple syrup, the infusion becomes that much easier.

Cinnamon syrup isn't just for cocktails and pancakes, either. It can be the missing ingredient for recreating your favorite fall coffee drinks at home. This is the fall food for you if you're a cinnamon spice chai latte lover. For alcohol- and caffeine-free bevy options, many herbal rooibos teas are already blended with cinnamon; a dash of syrup could add a flavorful boost.