Macadamia Nut Syrup (For Coffee)

Bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen with my easy recipe for Macadamia Nut Syrup! This deliciously nutty, roasty-toasty, salty-sweet syrup is made with just 3 ingredients and is perfect for adding to your morning java.

I recently tried the decadent chocolate macadamia nut cold brew at Starbucks, and man! It was SO GOOD! I immediately knew I had to figure out how to make a copycat version at home with that same nutty flavor. The first step was nailing their macadamia coffee syrup. I’m happy to report that this recipe is a dead-ringer for the big Bux version (see what I did there? 😂).

Best of all, my homemade macadamia nut coffee syrup is made with just 3 simple ingredients — sugar, water, and nuts. Compare that with Starbucks, Torani or Monin macadamia nut syrup, which also includes citric acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate. I don’t know about you, but I prefer avoiding ingredients with chemical-sounding names. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

So, if you want to add sweet, all-natural Hawaiian-inspired flair to your oat milk lattes, iced coffee drinks, or even plain black espresso, making this DIY coffee syrup is the way to do it. 

Jump to:

• What is Macadamia Syrup?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Macadamia Nut Syrup Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Make Macadamia Nut Syrup 
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Homemade Starbucks Macadamia Nut Syrup Nutrition
• Other Homemade Syrup Recipes
• Macadamia Nut Syrup (For Coffee)

What is Macadamia Syrup?

This infused simple syrup is a dream for coffee connoisseurs, home bakers, and anyone who loves the rich, buttery flavor of Kona’s favorite nut. Simply made in just 15 minutes, this liquid sweetener can be added to coffee, drizzled over layer cakes, used to sweeten whipped cream, and so much more!

What does it taste like?

The moment this nutty syrup hits your brew, the air fills with the aroma of gently roasted macadamia nuts. As a liquid, it melds seamlessly into your cup, promising a velvety texture whether used for iced or hot drinks. The light sweetness and the subtle hint of salt perfectly complement the natural bitterness of coffee. In short, it tastes like a mini vacation in every drop.

Why You’ll Love This Macadamia Nut Syrup Recipe

• Tastes Just Like The Fancy Stuff - Seriously, friends. This recipe yields a bottle of macadamia nut syrup Starbucks would be proud of, but costs a fraction of the price of buying it in-store.
• Quick, Easy, & All-Natural - Let me repeat: 3 ingredients (one of which is water!) and 15 minutes are all that stand between you and macadamia nut bliss.
• Bonus Yums - Since we’re infusing this clear syrup with real macadamia nuts, you’ll get a bowlful of crunchy, lightly candied nuts that are perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, ice cream, or anything that could use a little salty-sweet pizzazz. 

Ingredients Needed

As promised, this homemade macadamia-infused simple syrup requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what to grab: 

• Granulated Sugar - Plain white sugar has a neutrally sweet flavor, perfect for letting the flavor of the nuts shine through. 
• Water - If possible, use filtered water for the best flavor and a rich taste. 
• Roasted Macadamia Nuts - To get your syrup to taste like Starbucks, I recommend using salted nuts. You can also use unsalted and add a pinch or two of salt to taste, or omit the salt altogether.

Substitutions

• Granulated Sugar - Feel free to swap in brown sugar, raw turbinado sugar, pure cane sugar, or minimally refined cane sugar (e.g. muscovado or piloncillo) for more of a caramelly undertone.
• Roasted Macadamia Nuts - While there’s no direct macadamia nut substitute I know of, this method can be used with any type of nut you prefer (e.g. almond, hazelnut, or walnut). Just make sure to opt for toasted nuts for the best, most intense nut flavor.

How To Make Macadamia Nut Syrup 

This macadamia simple syrup recipe is, well, simple. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Simmer. Add sugar, water, and chopped macadamia nuts to a small saucepan and stir to combine. Heat to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Strain. Remove from heat and strain out the macadamia nuts (reserve them in the fridge for a stellar yogurt or ice cream topping).

Step 3: Cool & Store. Allow the syrup to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer to a syrup bottle or small container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

• Sugar-Free Macadamia Nut Syrup - If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to make your simple syrup with your favorite alternative sweetener (e.g. monkfruit or stevia). I recommend using a cup-for-cup blend as many sugar-free sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar. If you don’t use a cup-for-cup variety, start small and add to taste.
• Low- or No-Sodium Syrup - I love the combination of saltiness and sweetness, but if you’re trying to limit your sodium, feel free to use unsalted nuts and either omit the salt or add just a pinch or two.
• Chocolate Macadamia Nut Syrup - Add a cup of macadamia nuts to the pot when you’re making my homemade mocha sauce for a chocolate-covered nut vibe.
• Macadamia Nut Orgeat - Add a tablespoon of orange blossom water to the syrup after straining for a fun, tiki twist. 

Serving Suggestions

Whether you're a home barista or simply a lover of all things coffee, here are some delightful ways to incorporate this luscious syrup into your daily routine:

• Macadamia Nut Coffee: Stir a spoonful into your morning cuppa for a nutty twist that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation.
• Macadamia Nut Latte: Blend the syrup with frothy steamed milk and espresso for a creamy morning latte that feels both cozy and indulgent.
• Starbucks-Inspired White Chocolate Macadamia Cold Brew: Create your own version of these cold beverages by mixing the syrup with cold brew coffee and adding a thick, luscious layer of white chocolate macadamia cream cold foam before topping the whole thing off with crushed sugar cookies. 🤤
• Macadamia Nut Frappuccino: Whip up a frosty frappuccino by blending ice, coffee, milk, and a generous drizzle of macadamia nut syrup. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of those leftover candied nuts.
• Sweet and Nutty Oatmeal: Drizzle the syrup over your morning oatmeal with sliced bananas, unsweetened coconut flakes, candied macadamia nuts, and a glug of milk for a sweet and hearty start to your day.
• Dessert Divas: Perfect as a finishing touch on desserts! Use it to moisten tropical layer cakes, sweeten whipped cream, as a simple glaze on baked donuts, or as a drizzle over sundaes, brownies, ice cream, and more.
• Macadamia Nut Hot Cocoa: Stir this flavorful nutty syrup into steamed milk with a spoonful of chocolate sauce for a wintry treat. Top with a homemade marshmallow or whipped cream!
• Cocktail Sweetener: Use it to sweeten tropical cocktails like Mai Tais and Army & Navy’s in place of traditional almond orgeat.

Recipe Success Tips

• Start With Roasted Nuts - Roasting macadamia nuts (or any nuts, for that matter) intensifies their natural flavors and aroma, resulting in a deeper, nuttier essence. This process also brings out a subtle sweetness and a hint of toastiness, ensuring your syrup has a richer, more complex flavor.
• Save Your Scraps - Don’t toss the macadamias after you strain them from your syrup! They are salty-sweet, crunchy nuggets of joy that will add an extra layer of yum to whatever the touch. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator or freezer so they don’t go rancid.
• Don’t Overcook - Fun fact: caramel can be made with just sugar and water. Don’t cook the syrup too long, or you’ll risk it turning from a pourable syrup to a pot of macadamia nut toffee. 
• Store Wisely - As delicious as this macadamia simple syrup is, it’s also very sticky. Do yourself (and your refrigerator shelves) a favor and transfer the syrup into a bottle with a pour spout. I also recommend using a piece of masking tape and a sharpie to label and date it — it should keep well in the fridge for upwards of 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

FAQs

Homemade Starbucks Macadamia Nut Syrup Nutrition

In each 2-tablespoon serving of this yummy nut-infused coffee syrup, you're looking at 82 calories — pretty reasonable for a sweet treat. It's super low in sodium, just 2 mg, so that's a nice plus, especially for those watching their salt intake. 

The thing to keep in mind is that it is high in carbs, with 21 grams of pure sugar per serving. While it's a delicious way to sweeten up your coffee or desserts, it's best to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you're keeping an eye on sugar intake. Remember, balance is key!

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 82 calories
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Sugar: 21 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your natural ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Other Homemade Syrup Recipes

xoxo Megan