How to make Vanilla Simple Syrup

Believe it or not, my Vanilla Simple Syrup recipe is made with just 3 ingredients and only 5 minutes of active time. Supercharge your favorite coffee drinks and cocktails, add moisture and flavor to cakes, poach fruit, or drizzle it over your favorite breakfast items; no matter how you use it, you’re sure to love this homemade vanilla syrup!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

When it comes to easy ways to add flavor to just about anything, it’s hard to beat the versatility of homemade syrups and homemade vanilla extract. I mean, “simple” is right there in the name! Made using a base ratio of 1:1 sugar to water (or 2:1 if you like it rich) and whatever flavoring ingredients you fancy, these delightful concoctions are a snap to make.

If you love anything vanilla-flavored, like your hot morning coffee or iced coffee, you definitely need to try this vanilla bean syrup. This recipe is:

• Quick & Easy - Measure, heat, stir, steep, and strain. You’ll only need about 5 minutes of active time in the kitchen to get your bottle of vanilla goodness ready for use.
• Made With Only 3 Ingredients - If you have water and sugar on hand, you’re ⅔’s of the way there.
• Extremely Versatile - Once made, you can use this basic simple syrup for cake layers, coffee, cocktails, breakfast, or dessert. 

🍴Ingredients

As promised, you only need 3 simple ingredients to make my vanilla bean simple syrup. Here’s what to grabat your local grocery stores:

• Water - If possible, use filtered water for the best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar - Plain white sugar will yield the most vanilla-y flavor possible. That said, feel free to swap in other types of sugar (e.g. brown sugar or demerara) if you prefer more of a molasses-vanilla pairing.
• Vanilla Bean Pod - If you’ve recently made a recipe that calls for vanilla pods, I hope you kept the pod; it’s filled with flavor, even without those itty bitty caviar-like bits! This vanilla syrup recipe only needs the spent pod for flavor, making it a great way to coax the most flavor from your ingredients before tossing them.

🛠️ Equipment

You don’t more than these basic ingredients to whip up this better-than-Starbucks vanilla syrup. Here’s what to grab:

• ​​Saucepan or Small Pot - Every kitchen needs a saucepan. I suggest grabbing one with a heavy bottom for more even heat distribution and to prevent warping over time.
• Whisk - Sure, you could use a regular spoon or fork to stir together your water and sugar, but a whisk will make the job faster and more pleasant.
• Funnel - This vanilla syrup is by its very nature sticky. Keep your countertops clean and your sanity intact by investing in a set of kitchen funnels.
• Squirt Bottle or Glass Mason Jars - While this is not essential, squeeze bottles make it easy to measure out simple syrup for drinks or cocktails, and also make it a breeze to squirt across the tops of your cakes or in cold beverages. Try ones that come with a handy cap to keep your fridge nice and tidy. If you’re using a glass bottle or mason jar, consider grabbing a pour-spout lid for it. 

📖 Step by Step Instructions

This vanilla coffee syrup recipe comes together in a snap. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Dissolve Sugar. Pour equal parts water and sugar into a small saucepan on medium heat. Cook, stirring the mixture until your sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Add whole vanilla bean and continue cooking for 30 seconds before removing from heat.

Step 3: Steep. Allow syrup to infuse for at least one hour (preferably 3) as the simple sweet syrup cools to room temperature.

Step 4: Store or Use. Pour syrup into an airtight container and store in the fridge. 

⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

I may be biased, but I think this simply elegant recipe yields the best simple vanilla syrup for coffee, tea, cocktails, and more. That said, there’s always plenty of room to let your imagination run wild! Here are a few optional variations to consider:

• Rich Vanilla Syrup - Use 2 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar for a thicker, rich simple syrup that will last longer in the fridge.
• Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup - If you are watching your sugar intake, simply swap in your favorite cup-for-cup sugar alternative. Note that storage times may vary for non-sugar-based simple syrups.
• Add More Flavors - Vanilla is far from boring, but it also plays well with lots of other flavors. For example, consider creating layers of flavor by steeping your syrup with a cinnamon stick & apple peels or a few drops of maple extract for a fall-inspired treat, add food-grade lavender for an elevated twist, add orange peels for a creamsicle vibe, cinnamon sticks, or add a chai tea bag for lots of spice. 

Did you come up with an amazing flavor combination to mix with vanilla? Let me know in the comments below or by tagging me in your social media posts so I can cheer you on!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

Making flavored syrup recipes is quite simple, but I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Steep for at least an hour, preferably 3, or leave the pod in the syrup bottle. The longer you steep, the more rich vanilla flavor you’ll extract from the pod.
• Wrap it up as a charming and thoughtful hostess or housewarming gift with a bag of coffee and some scone mix.
• Use a squeeze bottle for storage. Your kitchen will stay cleaner for it, which is always a bonus. All the easier to add into your vanilla lattes, cold brew coffee, matcha lattes or London fog tea lattes!

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