We love pancakes at our house. But I am the first to admit that what you put on top of the pancake is just as important as the pancake itself. We don't use that nasty bottled maple syrup at our house. Ever. No offense if you love it, it's just not my thing. Please don't send me any hate mail. 
We adore Buttermilk Caramel Syrup, and on special occasions I make Vanilla Sauce. But when fall rolls around, I like to whip up a batch of Cinnamon Syrup. Last weekend I served it with Pumpkin Pancakes, but it tastes great on regular pancakes as well. And French toast. It is awesome on French toast! If you're stuck in a maple syrup rut, you should really give homemade syrup a try! 
Cinnamon Syrup for Pancakes
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1 tsp vanilla
Boil sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch closely so it doesn’t boil over. Remove from heat and stir in milk and flavorings. Serve over pancakes, waffles, or french toast.
How long does this syrup last (or rather how long could it last?) Looks yummy!
Growing up I hated bottled syrup too and refused to eat pancakes or waffles. They were just gross with all of that syrup. Then, as an adult, I saw something on tv about how chefs prefer grade "B" maple syrup and they swore by it. They really complained about what most people use and it is "pancake" syrup, which is a different, really fake thing. I went to the store and hunted long and hard for grade "B" pure maple. It was expensive but I tried it anyway. It is fantastic! I can't believe how different it is than that gross pancake stuff! Have you tried it?
I haven't ever tried pure maple syrup, but I have heard that it is amazing. I should just buckle down and buy some, even though it is so spendy.
What do you mean by butter flavor?
Butter flavoring is an extract found near the vanilla. You should be able to find it at most grocery stores.
I am amazed that you have never tried REAL maple syrup. When you do you will understand why people will take a spoonful. I grew up in Vermontville, MI where they make the real maple syrup. I can't taste it without going back to my childhood when Dad took us to the sugar shanty. I can still feel the sweet steam in the air.
The store syrup is just flavored corn syrup. Nothing like the real stuff.