☞ TESTER TIP: Straining the syrup requires a touch of patience since the liquid is thick and will take quite a while to strain. It's not necessary to strain it, although straining does prevent the spice residue from clinging to your coffee cup after you're done sucking down your pumpkin spice latte. If you don’t strain the syrup, it will need a quick shake or stir before using to redistribute the settled spices.