Red Over heating light and smells like maple syrup

What is your question?

My 2000 VW Beetle needs help. Inside the cabin it smells like mable syrup. It does not have an oder outside the car. The temp light is blinking red. It does not blink red all the time. Only for maybe a minute at a time. Most often it comes on within about five min of running the car. Then every so often while driving. What could it be and what am I looking at for the cost of repairs.