Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

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In my first job as a pharmaceutical sales rep, coffee meetings were a constant. Having just graduated college, I was used to ordering black coffee at Starbucks, as it was the cheapest and came with free refills. However, with a company American Express in my pocket, ordering a vanilla latte felt incredibly luxurious.

It’s still my go-to order, 18 years later, except I’m the one paying for it. 😅 So I’ve been making more coffee drinks at home, and quickly realized I needed a vanilla simple syrup to replicate my go-to, creamy iced vanilla latte.

This easy vanilla bean simple syrup has been a game changer. It gives lattes a warmer, richer, slightly floral note, balancing the espresso and milk with gentle sweetness. It doesn’t taste artificial at all, which can often be the case with store-bought syrups. Vanilla bean syrup also makes a dynamite old fashioned, which is our house cocktail in the cooler months.

While recipe testing, I found that using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar led to a more developed flavor in the syrup, too. Just like my dried lavender simple syrup (which I also like to use for iced lattes), this vanilla version is so simple to make with 4 real food ingredients, unlike the long list on the back of commercial syrups.

Why I Use Vanilla Bean Paste Instead of Extract:

If you want the best vanilla flavor, using some form of vanilla bean is key! I use Vanilla bean paste for a much more robust, concentrated flavor than vanilla extract. When I tried making the syrup with vanilla extract, the flavor fell flat and when added to drinks, you couldn’t even detect vanilla notes.

Vanilla bean past give this syrup a richer, warmer, deeper vanilla flavor that can’t be matched by extract, and is cheaper than buying vanilla bean pods. It’s very visually appealing too, with specks of vanilla bean seeds scattered throughout.

Delicious Ways to Use Vanilla Simple Syrup

This is one of the most versatile simple syrups you can have on hand. It adds a sweet and aromatic vanilla flavor to whatever you add it to.

1. Coffee and Tea: Add a splash of vanilla simple syrup to your morning coffee, iced mochas, or lattes for a smooth, sweet flavor. Or stir some into black or chai tea for a hint of vanilla sweetness.
2. Cocktails! So many possibilities here:
   • Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour: These classic cocktails always require simple syrup so use this vanilla syrup to add warmth and depth. I also like to use my Rhubarb Simple Syrup in these drinks in Spring.
   • Mojito or Mint Julep: vanilla simple syrup is a nice twist for these refreshing drinks!
3. Milkshakes & Smoothies: adding of spoonful of it to the blender gives these cool and creamy treats a delicious flavor.
4. Oatmeal: Drizzle vanilla simple syrup over oatmeal for a naturally sweet flavor.
5. Fruit Salad: Toss fresh fruit with vanilla simple syrup to taste and elevate it in the easiest way. I love how the fruit glistens with this addition, too.

How Long Does Vanilla Syrup Last?

This syrup will last 6 to 8 weeks when stored properly in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator. The high sugar content is a great preserver. Make sure your bottle is completely clean before adding the syrup to ensure it stays fresh. If you notice any signs of mold, discard the syrup.

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Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup (for coffee & cocktails!)

This delicious homemade vanilla syrup is made with vanilla bean paste, giving it a richer, warmer, deeper vanilla flavor that can't be matched by extract. It only takes 5 minutes to make and is the perfect way to elevate coffee drinks and cocktails at home. Brown sugar adds caramel notes to the simple syrup, setting this recipe apart.

5 from 1 vote

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Cook Time :5 minutes minutes

Yield: 8 ounces

Author: Amanda Paa

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) filtered water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean)

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Instructions 

• Add sugars and water to a saucepan. Over medium heat, bring mixture to a low simmer, continuously stirring to dissolve the sugars. This will take 3 or 4 minutes. Once syrup is clear and all sugar is dissolved, remove from heat.
• Whisk in vanilla bean paste (or seeds you scraped from vanilla bean pod) until fully dispersed. Let syrup cool, then pour into a clean, glass container. Store in refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks.
• My favorite thing to make with this syrup is my creamy, homemade iced vanilla latte!