This fragrant Osmanthus Syrup is a golden, floral sweetener made from dried osmanthus blossoms. With its delicate aroma and subtle honey-apricot flavor, it's a versatile syrup that instantly elevates drinks, desserts, and teas.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Beautifully aromatic: like jasmine syrup, the floral notes of osmanthus are light, elegant, and never overpowering.
Simple to make: just three ingredients and 10 minutes -- no special equipment needed.
Versatile: use it to flavor drinks such as iced matcha, or drizzle over yogurt, pancakes, or shaved ice.
Keeps well: store in the fridge and enjoy whenever you need a touch of floral sweetness.
What is osmanthus?
Osmanthus (桂花, gui hua) is a tiny yellow flower treasured in Chinese cuisine for its intoxicating, sweet fragrance with notes of apricot, honey, and peach.
It's often used to flavor desserts, such as jellies, tang yuan (glutinous rice balls), teas, and its aroma pairs beautifully with green tea, jasmine, and light fruit flavors.
Ingredients you'll need
- dried osmanthus blossoms (桂花): adds floral aroma and color
- granulated sugar: granulated sugar for sweetness; or honey
- water: helps extract the flavor into the syrup
Where to find?
You can find dried osmanthus blossoms at Chinese herbal shops, tea stores, or online.
How to make osmanthus syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens.
Lower the heat and add in the dried osmanthus flowers. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in a little honey, if desired.
Let the syrup steep off the heat for 10 minutes.
Strain the osmanthus syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, or include the flowers -- your choice.
Cool completely and seal with an airtight lid.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Expert tips
Don't boil too hard: a gentle simmer keeps the floral notes light and fresh.
Adjust sweetness: add more sugar for a thicker syrup, or dilute with water for a lighter version.
Keep the blossoms: if you like, skip straining and let the flowers remain in the syrup. They add a beautiful golden sparkle when drizzled over desserts.
Use good-quality osmanthus: fresh blossoms will have a stronger aroma and brighter color.
How to use
Stir into drinks like Matcha Osmanthus Tea, jasmine tea, or milk teas.
Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or shaved ice (bingsu).
Sweeten desserts such as soy milk pudding, tang yuan, or almond jelly.
How to store
Store osmanthus syrup in a clean, airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Other recipes using osmanthus flowers that you may like
Other delicious syrup recipes you may like
Did you make this recipe?
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Osmanthus Syrup
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- ½ C granulated sugar
- ½ C water
- 3 tablespoon dried osmanthus flowers
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens.
- Lower the heat and add in the dried osmanthus flowers. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of honey, if desired.
- Let the syrup steep off the heat for 10 minutes.
- Strain the osmanthus syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, or include the flowers -- your choice.
- Cool completely and seal with an airtight lid.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Raymund | angsarap.net
Such a beautiful, fragrant syrup! I love how versatile it is for both drinks and desserts.
Michelle
Thank you Raymund, it's a lovely syrup to change it up from the usual sugar and water! 🙂
2pots2cook
Already ordered a batch online. There is so much to learn at your blog. Thank you!
Michelle
Amazing, I'm so glad to hear it, Davorka! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine
We use osmanthus flower tea in many of our dessert recipes, love that light calming floral flavor. This syrup would be delightful served in tea as well.
Michelle
Indeed, it's such a lovely flavor and definitely underrated! Thanks Bobbi, this syrup would be amazing in tea as well.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
I’m not familiar with osmanthus, but this syrup sounds so intriguing and beautifully fragrant - such an elegant ingredient choice.
Michelle
Thanks Ben, you'd definitely love it since you're into floral flavors! 🙂
Heidi
This is such a simple syrup to make following your easy instructions and I love the light, floral flavor. This is the perfect breakfast syrup to upgrade pancakes and French toast!
Michelle
Thanks Heidi, it would an amazing flavor for pancakes and French toast! 🙂