This easy recipe for Vanilla Simple Syrup is a versatile way to add sweetness and and vanilla flavour to iced drinks and coffee.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is true to its name sake -- it's a syrup made from equal parts sugar and water.
The ratio for simple syrup is 1:1 -- 1 part sugar to 1 part water.
For a more concentrated rich syrup, you can increase the sugar ratio to 2:1, meaning 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, and this will give you a slightly thicker, sweeter syrup.
What is it used for?
Simple syrup is most commonly used as a sweetener for drinks and cocktails.
As syrup is already liquid, it makes it easier to mix into beverages.
It is also used in desserts and baking, such as in Double Baked Almond Croissants, and as a cake soak in Matcha Hojicha Vanilla Angel Cake Slices.
Ingredients you'll need
You'll need only 3 ingredients:
- granulated cane sugar: you can use cane sugar or white sugar
- water
- vanilla bean: or vanilla extract
How to make vanilla simple syrup
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and vanilla beans (or vanilla extract).
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Gently swirl the mixture until all the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
Remove vanilla bean and transfer the syrup to a clean, sterile glass jar.
Let it cool completely before using.
How to store
Store the vanilla syrup in the fridge in a clean, sterile glass jar with a lid for up to 2 weeks.
As the syrup has not gone through a heat-canning process, it should not be stored at room temperature.
If the syrup turns cloudy, discard it.
Beverages that use vanilla syrup
You can use Vanilla Simple Syrup in many sweet drinks, tea or iced coffee drinks.
Try it in:
Iced Doppio Espresso with Oat Milk (Starbucks Copycat)
Iced Brown Sugar Oat Espresso (Starbucks Copycat)
Other variations
You can easily customize the syrup.
Infuse and complement the flavor of the vanilla syrup by adding different flavours and spices.
Try adding:
- cinnamon sticks
- vanilla bean
- caramel
- brown sugar
- ginger
- thyme/rosemary/basil
Expert tips
Once you know the ratio of sugar to water, you can easily scale it up to make a large batch.
If adding spices or other flavours, strain the syrup before storing.
Other syrup recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes:
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Vanilla Simple Syrup
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and vanilla beans (or vanilla extract).
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Gently swirl the mixture until all the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove vanilla bean and transfer the syrup to a clean, sterile glass ar.
- Let it cool completely before using.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
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