Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe (with REAL Vanilla!)

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Vanilla simple syrup is a wonderful addition to many tasty drinks in the fall and winter months. It is delicious in a coffee or tea latte on a cold day. You can also use vanilla simple syrup to make chocolate syrup or hot cocoa. Adding a bit of vanilla syrup to any drink adds a light vanilla flavor that just transforms any drink into something EXTRA delicious!

How Vanilla Simple Syrup Is Made

This recipe calls for you to make a plain simple syrup with raw cane sugar and water. When the sugar has dissolved in the water, vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste is added. This combination of sugar water and vanilla makes a subtle yet beautiful vanilla flavor. My favorite drinks to use this simple syrup are matcha and chai lattes. Combining the two makes a delicious and warming fall beverage.

What Does Vanilla Simple Syrup Taste Like?

This vanilla simple syrup has a beautiful but subtle vanilla flavor. This subtle flavor makes this a perfect addition to serve in drinks like hot chocolate, homemade lattes or milk steamers.

If you enjoy a stronger vanilla flavor, you can certainly use more vanilla extract or add vanilla paste. Vanilla paste will not only add the vanilla flavor but also some beautiful flecks of vanilla beans.

The Kind of Vanilla Used For Simple Syrup

This recipe calls for using vanilla extract. You can also use vanilla bean paste. Using vanilla bean paste in this recipe is perfect if you make your own vanilla extract because you can use leftover beans to make vanilla bean paste.

Learn how to make your own vanilla bean paste HERE.

Where to buy Vanilla 

You can likely find vanilla extract at any local grocery store. If you like to use a lot of vanilla, you may want to look into buying vanilla extract in bulk or making your own vanilla extract. 

If you make your own vanilla extract, I recommend that you use an organic grade A Madagascar bean. The number of vanilla beans needed will depend on the amount of vanilla you want in your end product. In most cases, the most affordable place to find vanilla beans is Etsy.

For bulk extracts, Azure Standard is a great place to look for a good price. You may also find options at places like Costco or Sam’s club.

How to use Vanilla Simple Syrup

You can use this simple syrup in place of any sweetener for almost any beverage you want. The most common options are for chai lattes or coffee. This simple syrup can also be used in various baked goods as a topping or in icing.

If you host a lot of gatherings, this recipe is also perfect to make ahead and use in a pre-made beverage for a beverage dispenser at any holiday party. 

Looking for more recipe inspiration? You might also enjoy making Vanilla Extract or Easy and Delicious Chocolate Sauce.

How to Store Simple Syrup

Once cooled, store homemade simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored in the refrigerator, use all of your syrup within 3-4 weeks.

For longer term storage, transfer to the freezer in an ice cube tray or in smaller portions.

Ingredients and Tools For Vanilla Simple Syrup

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1 ½ cups Sugar or sugar equivalent sweetener

2 TBSP Vanilla Extract

2 cups Filtered water 

A medium saucepan

Measuring cups and spoons

A whisk or spoon

Airtight storage jar

Directions 

1. To begin, add filtered water and sugar in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. 
2. Bring the sugar mixture to a light boil and let boil for 5 minutes. 
3. Add 3 tbsp Vanilla, stir and remove from the heat. 
4. Set aside until completely cool. 
5. Once cool, transfer to an airtight storage jar.
6. Use immediately or store in the fridge for later use. Use within 3-4 weeks or freeze for long term storage

FAQ:

How is Vanilla Simple Syrup Made?

This recipe calls for you to make a plain simple syrup with raw cane sugar and water. When the sugar has dissolved in the water, vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste is added. This combination of sugar water and vanilla makes a subtle yet beautiful vanilla flavor. My favorite drinks to use this simple syrup are matcha and chai lattes. Combining the two makes a delicious and warming fall beverage.

What Does Vanilla Simple Syrup Taste Like?

This vanilla simple syrup has a beautiful but subtle vanilla flavor. This subtle flavor makes this a perfect addition to serve in drinks like hot chocolate, homemade lattes or milk steamers.

If you enjoy a stronger vanilla flavor, you can certainly use more vanilla extract or add vanilla paste. Vanilla paste will not only add the vanilla flavor but also some beautiful flecks of vanilla beans.

What Kind of Vanilla Do I Use For Simple Syrup?

This recipe calls for using vanilla extract. You can also use vanilla bean paste. Using vanilla bean paste in this recipe is perfect if you make your own vanilla extract because you can use leftover beans to make vanilla bean paste.

Where Do I Buy Vanilla? 

You can likely find vanilla extract at any local grocery store. If you like to use a lot of vanilla, you may want to look into buying vanilla extract in bulk or making your own vanilla extract. 

If you make your own vanilla extract, I recommend that you use an organic grade A Madagascar bean. The number of vanilla beans needed will depend on the amount of vanilla you want in your end product. In most cases, the most affordable place to find vanilla beans is Etsy.

For bulk extracts, Azure Standard is a great place to look for a good price. You may also find options at places like Costco or Sam’s club.

How Do I Use Vanilla Simple Syrup?

You can use this simple syrup in place of any sweetener for almost any beverage you want. The most common options are for chai lattes or coffee. This simple syrup can also be used in various baked goods as a topping or in icing.

If you host a lot of gatherings, this recipe is also perfect to make ahead and use in a pre-made beverage for a beverage dispenser at any holiday party. 

How Do I Store Simple Syrup?

Once cooled, store homemade simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored in the refrigerator, use all of your syrup within 3-4 weeks.

For longer term storage, transfer to the freezer in an ice cube tray or in smaller portions.

Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.