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Craving the perfect hint of vanilla sweetness in your drinks? Look no further! This homemade Recipe for Vanilla Simple Syrup is a game-changer for all of your favourite coffee, cocktail, and dessert recipes.

I’m not going to lie to you. I’m not a die-hard Starbucks fan like some people I know (especially around pumpkin spice season, am I right?!) And heck, I’m not even a gonna-die-without-my-morning-coffee kinda gal. As a matter of fact, I stopped drinking coffee altogether when I realized while travelling Greece a few years ago that it made me feel like I was on some sort of drug. Yeah, don’t ask.

But what I do (and have always!) loved is, of course, a good cocktail. Afterall, most of my adult life so far has been spent behind a bar whipping up cocktails for my guests until the wee hours of the morning. I lived and breathed cocktails, could pretty much make them with my eyes closed, and even created a few menu-worthy ones of my own. Ah, how I (sometimes) miss those days!

closed jar of vanilla simple syrup on a red cloth

But even for someone like me who’s sworn off coffee, I can’t deny the magic a splash of vanilla simple syrup brings to a homemade iced latte. It transforms an ordinary cup into a café-quality treat that feels indulgent without that hefty Starbucks price tag if you know what I mean. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why you’re always gonna wanna keep a jar on hand!

I think it goes without saying by now that when it comes to cocktails, this vanilla simple syrup is an absolute game-changer. Whether we’re talkin’ about a classic espresso martini with a sweet twist or a smooth, creamy rum and eggnog with a hint of vanilla warmth, cocktail hour just got a whollllle lot better. The cocktail combinations you can create are virtually endless! And according to my very own home bar enthuthiast boyfriend, it’s a must-have for any bar! (And I would most certainly have to agree!)

Did I mention that this vanilla simple syrup is like the best friend to ANY dessert if I’ve ever seen one?! Drizzle it over a stack of pancakes, mix it into your frosting for an extra burst of flavour, or stir it into a fruit salad for a sweet surprise. It’s incredibly versatile, and adds a rich, velvety touch to just about any sweet treat you can dream up. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this recipe is a must-have in your kitchen just like it is at Starbucks!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP

ingredients for recipe for vanilla simple syrup - vanilla extract, vanilla bean, water, sugar — *Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.*

Well, friends, they don’t call it simple syrup for no reason! This recipe for vanilla simple syrup has just 3 ingredients and you can choose whether you want to use vanilla extract or vanilla beans! Let’s discuss the details down below:

Granulated Sugar: This is the base sweetener for the syrup. It dissolves in water to create a sweet liquid that can be flavoured.

Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and create a syrupy consistency. It forms the bulk of the syrup.

Vanilla Bean (option 1): This is a long, thin pod filled with tiny black seeds. It provides a rich, natural vanilla flavour. To use, you split the bean lengthwise. Then scrape out the seeds, and add them to the syrup during cooking.

Vanilla Extract (option 2): This is a concentrated liquid derived from vanilla beans. It’s easier to use than whole beans and provides a consistent vanilla flavour. You typically add it after the syrup has cooled slightly. Use pure vanilla extract (instead of artificial) for the best and most authentic flavour.

jar of brown liquid with a label saying vanilla simple syrup, two open vanilla beans in front

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP (KEY TIPS)

brown liquid pouring into a jar, vanilla beans in front

You can find full instructions for how to make this easy recipe for vanilla simple syrup in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Use high-quality and fresh ingredients. Use good-quality vanilla beans or pure vanilla extract for the best and most authentic flavour. The quality of vanilla directly impacts the taste of your syrup.

Stick to a 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar to water (1 cup sugar to 1 cup water) for a balanced sweetness in the syrup.

Heat the sugar and water mixture gently over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves without boiling, which can alter the syrup’s consistency and flavour.

If using a vanilla bean, split and scrape the seeds into the syrup mixture. Let the bean simmer in the syrup for a few minutes after the sugar dissolves to extract maximum flavour. If using vanilla extract, add it after removing the syrup from heat to preserve its delicate aroma.

Allow the syrup to cool completely before straining it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any vanilla bean remnants or seeds. This step ensures a smooth and clear syrup. If using vanilla extract, there is no need to strain your syrup.

Store the cooled syrup in a clean, airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Proper storage helps maintain its freshness and flavour for up to 1-2 weeks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE FORMULA OF SIMPLE SYRUP?

Simple syrup is a basic ingredient used in many cocktails, desserts, and drinks to add sweetness and sometimes flavour. The formula for simple syrup is straightforward: it consists of equal parts sugar and water. This means that for every cup of granulated sugar you use, you add one cup of water.

The two ingredients are combined and heated until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a clear, sweet liquid that is thicker than water but thinner than honey. Simple syrup serves as a versatile base because it easily mixes into cold beverages without leaving a gritty texture, making it ideal for sweetening everything from iced coffee to lemonade. Its balanced sweetness makes it a preferred choice over granulated sugar for drinks and desserts, ensuring a consistent and smooth texture in each preparation.

HOW TO THICKEN SIMPLE SYRUP?

If you find that your simple syrup is too thin and you want to thicken it, there are a couple of methods you can try. One way is to simmer the syrup for a bit longer on the stove. Heat it over medium-low heat and let it reduce gently until it reaches your desired thickness, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind that the syrup will thicken more as it cools, so don’t reduce it too much initially.

Another method is to add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water mixed together) to the simmering syrup. Stir continuously as you add the slurry and simmer for a minute or two until the syrup thickens to your liking. Be cautious not to add too much cornstarch, as it can alter the flavour and clarity of the syrup. Adjust the thickness according to your preference, and remember that simple syrup should be cooled completely before using or storing.

IS IT OK TO NOT REFRIGERATE SIMPLE SYRUP?

Simple syrup can be stored at room temperature for a short period, usually up to about a week, without refrigeration, especially if it’s in a clean, tightly sealed container. However, refrigeration is recommended for longer-term storage to maintain its freshness and prevent any potential growth of mold or bacteria.

The cooler temperature helps to extend its shelf life and preserve its quality, ensuring that it remains safe to use in beverages and desserts. If you choose to store simple syrup at room temperature, be sure to monitor it closely for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in colour, texture, or odor, and discard it if you have any doubts about its safety.

HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP LAST IN THE FRIDGE?

This homemade recipe for vanilla simple syrup will stay good in the fridge for about 1 to 2 weeks. Just make sure to store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. If you see any changes in colour or smell, it’s probably time to whip up another batch!

jar of brown liquid with a label that says vanilla simple syrup on it, vanilla beans in the front

RECIPES THIS VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP WOULD BE GREAT IN

BOOZY IRISH COFFEE WITH BAILEYS

PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

EASY GLUTEN FREE BANANA LOAF

PUFF PASTRY APPLE ROSES

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TURMERIC LATTE (GOLDEN MILK)

QUICK PEAR DESSERT SAUCE

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RECIPE FOR VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP

Yield: ~1 Cup

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Steep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Water
1 Vanilla Bean or 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.
If using the vanilla bean, split it down the middle and scrape the seeds into the saucepan, then add the bean pod. If using vanilla extract, add it after the syrup has cooled slightly. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and let it steep for about 30 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod and let the syrup cool completely. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 813Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 202gFiber: 0gSugar: 201gProtein: 0g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.