Vanilla Simple Syrup

With just three ingredients, you can create the best vanilla simple syrup! All you need is water, sugar, and vanilla extract to flavor your favorite drinks, desserts, and more. Plus it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

about this vanilla simple syrup

Are you looking for the perfect vanilla simple syrup for your morning coffee concoctions? Perhaps you want to add some smooth vanilla flavor to your favorite teas? No matter how you choose to use this syrup recipe, this is the best vanilla simple syrup out there. You can make your own vanilla syrup so easily!

The funny thing is, homemade syrup is the easiest thing to make for your home coffee bar or cocktail cart. All you need is a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar to make it.

No more wondering how Starbucks gets their coffee drinks to taste so good, my friends! You can simply make it at home now with this copycat recipe. Add it to your cold brew, lattes, cappuccinos, and more!

Not only does this liquid sweetener work in coffees and teas, it also is a tasty addition to your favorite cocktails. You can turn your old fashioned cocktail into a vanilla old fashioned! Make your lavender lemonade cocktail with a hint of vanilla.

You can even incorporate it into dessert recipes like cakes, tarts, and even fruit salad.

Let’s start by talking about what you need to make this liquid gold!

ingredients

water. Tap water will work just fine. You could also use filtered water.

sugar. Granulated sugar is preferred for this recipe. You could also use light brown sugar to turn this recipe into a brown sugar vanilla simple syrup!

vanilla extract. We like to make our own homemade vanilla extract! The process is super simple and all you need is two ingredients – vanilla beans and vodka. If you prefer to buy it, you can use this amazing Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey. Note that you could also use vanilla bean paste! Then you will have vanilla bean syrup.

this recipe’s must-haves

You don’t need too much to make this syrup! Your favorite saucepan and wooden spoon will do the job nicely.

Wondering how to store this simple syrup? I love to use syrup dispenser bottles similar to what you see pictured here. It’s the best way to store your own simple syrup, in my opinion. Plus it looks pretty! You could also use a large clear squeeze bottle or a mason jar.

here’s how to make vanilla simple syrup

cook

Pour water and sugar into a small saucepan. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a low boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes.

cool and store

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract until combined.

Let the syrup cool completely before using or storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

tips for success

don’t boil the mixture. Make sure that you do not bring the mixture to a boil after you add the vanilla. This will reduce the flavor of the vanilla!

make it thicker. Want to make it thicker? Reduce the sugar and water mixture a little over medium-high heat until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

double it. Love to use this syrup daily in your coffee? Double the recipe so you don’t have to make it every week!

add other flavors! You can easily add an additional flavor to this recipe. Use some lavender buds to make lavender vanilla simple syrup. Add a couple pieces of orange peel to make it orange vanilla. The options are endless!

More delicious simple syrup recipes to try out: Honey Syrup | Lavender Simple Syrup | Mint Simple Syrup | Cinnamon Simple Syrup

how much does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of vanilla simple syrup. It’s just shy of that because of the cooking, so it may not come out to an exact full cup at the end of the process.

what kind of vanilla should I use?

Use homemade vanilla extract if you can! It’s an easy process to make it yourself, and you can really amp up the vanilla flavor by packing it with the best vanilla beans.

If you don’t want to worry about making it yourself, I always recommend using Nielsen Massey. Their Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract is so tasty!

how long does vanilla simple syrup last?

Vanilla simply syrup will last for up to 1 month in the fridge when stored in an airtight container or jar.

You will know if your syrup has gone bad if there are any signs of mold in the jar.

does this taste like the vanilla simple syrup from Starbucks?

In my opinion, it tastes better. There’s just the right amount of smooth vanilla flavor to balance out the sweetness. It’ll become your new favorite coffee syrup as soon as you try it!

Note that you can adjust the vanilla flavor to be more or less, depending on your flavor preference. I recommend making it according to the recipe and noting whether you’d like to add more or less vanilla for the next batch you make!

does simple syrup need to be refrigerated?

Yes, simple syrup needs to be refrigerated! Do not store it at room temperature.

can you freeze this syrup?

Freezing simple syrup is easy! I like to use ice cube trays so that the simple syrup is already individually portioned out. Freeze the liquid in the trays until frozen solid. Store the frozen cubes in a resealable bag or airtight container. The frozen cubes will last for up to 3 months.

Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

how to use vanilla simple syrup

Simple syrup can be used in so many ways! This homemade vanilla syrup recipe has a lovely vanilla flavor to easily transform all your favorite beverages. However, there’s a lot more ways to enjoy it too! Here are some of our favorite ways to use this recipe:

Use it in all your favorite coffee drinks! Homemade vanilla lattes for the weekend. An iced vanilla latte on your way out the door to work. The options are endless!

Stir it into your tea to easily sweeten it with a hint of vanilla.

Brush the exterior of your favorite cake to add moisture, sweetness, and a touch of vanilla.

This syrup can be used as a glaze for fruit tarts! It gives them a glossy finish.

Toss with fruit to make a vanilla-themed fruit salad.

Stir it into plain greek yogurt with fresh berries to sweeten it!

Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and more.

Make it and wrap it up as a gift for the coffee lover in your life!

how to store

Store. Cool the syrup to room temperature before storing in an airtight container or glass bottle. It will keep for up to one month in the refrigerator. Be sure to label the container or jar with a piece of tape and marker to easily track the expiration date.

Freeze. Simple syrup can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy use in drinks. Store the cubes in a container or bag for up to 3 months in the freeze after they’ve frozen solid in the trays. When ready to use, simply remove the desired amount of cubes and thaw them in a bowl in the refrigerator.

more vanilla-based recipes to try

Make your own homemade vanilla extract to use in this recipe! It’s so easy and all you need are two ingredients.

Chewy vanilla bean cardamom sugar cookies are thick and soft, just how the best sugar cookies should be.

Mixed berry vanilla bean cake is flavorful and light, paired with a lemon mint whipped cream frosting. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings!

Finally, if you make this homemade vanilla coffee syrup, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!