Vanilla Simple Syrup

Vanilla Simple Syrup is the perfect sweet addition for drinks and more throughout the entire year. All you need are three ingredients and a little time to make this vanilla syrup for coffee, cocktails, mocktails, desserts, breakfasts and more.

vanilla simple syrup pours into a glass of cold brew coffee on a pink surface

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Vanilla Syrup

Simple syrup is the most basic and wonderful addition to any drink. AND it can be infused with all kinds of delicious flavors.

This vanilla simple syrup might not look like much, but it brings wonderful flavor and aroma to everything it’s added to.

This vanilla syrup recipe is excellent to add to cold drinks because you don’t have to worry about the sugar dissolving into the already chilled drink. (Lookin’ at you, iced coffee and vanilla lattes.)

Also, I love flavored syrups, but I do not always love the ingredients that brands add to them.

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    Homemade simple syrup has always been my jam because I know what’s going into it, and the same thing goes with this vanilla rendition. All you need are three ingredients, and once infused, they shine.

    Why I love this recipe:

    This Vanilla Bean Syrup is so wonderful for coffee, cocktails, mocktails and more.

    The not-so-secret ingredient is a real vanilla bean, which you split, remove the beans (aka caviar) and let infuse with the syrup until it’s fragrant and beyond delicious. This is the secret to the most intense vanilla flavoring, and it’s worth the effort!

    Truth be told, this is a year-round simple syrup, and it adds some special pizzazz to any season in which you use it.

    Here are some things to adore about this homemade syrup recipe:

    • It’s incredibly easy to make and only requires three ingredients. Yes, one of these ingredients is specialty, but it’s worth the effort. Promise.
    • This is the best kind of liquid sweetener. It’s my favorite way to add vanilla flavor to anything, from mocktails and cocktails… or even pancakes and waffles, too!
    • It can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for awhile, so you can enjoy it any time! (Spoiler alert: it’s always a good idea.)

    Recipes to try with this simple syrup: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew | Cold Brew with Homemade Vanilla Mint Creamer

    Need drink inspiration? Head on over to my Drink Recipe Index for some ideas of what to mix at home next.

    a small saucepan on a pink surface next to a cutting board with a knife and a vanilla bean

    What you need to make this recipe:

    The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

    Let’s talk ingredients!

    In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Vanilla bean pod — you need a vanilla bean. This is not a recipe where we use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Those won’t give as strong flavor. The vanilla bean elevates this syrup. I order my vanilla beans online because you can buy them in bulk as opposed to buying 1-2 at the grocery store. Keep ‘em in the freezer!
    • Granulated sugar — also known as white sugar, this is going to give sweetness to our simple syrup. I do not recommend substituting it because it will change the color of the syrup itself. It would be murkier if you used dark brown sugar.
    • Water — regular water from the tap is fine!
    simple syrup in a saucepan on a pink surface next to a cutting board with a knife and a vanilla bean

    How to make Vanilla Simple Syrup

    Split the vanilla bean and remove the caviar. Set it aside.

    Combine the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Swirl them together or stir with a wooden spoon.

    Place the saucepan on the stovetop, and heat the ingredients over medium heat.

    You want to heat the simple syrup just until the sugar dissolves in the water — and this will be before it comes to a boil, so keep an eye on it. This should only take 5 minutes tops.

    When the sugar has completely dissolved into the water, remove the saucepan from the heat.

    Add the vanilla bean, as well as the caviar.

    Let the ingredients infuse for about 2 hours. Give it a taste at the 1 ½ hour mark to see how it tastes. You can let it go longer or save it now.

    When the simple syrup has finished infusing and has come to room temperature, pour into its storage container and refrigerate.

    How to store:

    Once the syrup has been strained, transfer it to a mason jar, an airtight container or a fun glass jar, like these glass jars.* (affiliate link)

    Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

    You can also freeze this recipe. If you want to make a big batch of this and freeze some for later, follow this tutorial about how to freeze simple syrup for later.

    close up of a vanilla bean infusing in simple syrup

    Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

    If you’re planning on hosting friends or having a happy hour, I highly suggest making this homemade vanilla syrup recipe to sweeten your drinks!

    This is also great for an at-home brunch with friends (use it in mimosas for a sweet splash!) or for cocktail hour at a dinner party.

    Here are a few tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible:

    • Make a batch of vanilla syrup 1-2 days in advance. Let it hang out in the fridge.
    • Double or triple the recipe. This will depend on the number of guests, you might need to double or triple the recipe. I always err on the side of too much since this recipe keeps well in the fridge.
    • Before friends arrive, get out the ingredients for your drinks. Decide whether you’ll mix the drinks yourself or let your friends play bartender! Either way is fun.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does simple syrup need to boil?

    No. You want the sugar to dissolve into the water, and that should happen before the mixture comes to a boil.

    How long does vanilla simple syrup last?

    It should last for up to a month in the refrigerator. I do not recommend storing the simple syrup at room temperature because it will not last this long.

    Can I use vanilla extract in this recipe?

    I have never tried this and do not recommend it currently. Use a split vanilla bean for the best flavor and also the look.

    Quick tips and tricks to making vanilla simple syrup

    • Give it time to infuse! This will provide the best flavor, as well as those gorgeous flecks that are floating around in the syrup.
    • Uses: sweeten any cold beverage of your choosing. Drizzle it on dessert, like pound cake or even ice cream. Toss it with fresh berries to make a fresh fruit salad. Add it to hot chocolate or cocoa for extra sweetness.
    • How to store: Store in a jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

    Other variations on simple syrup:

    Your simple syrup ratio will remain the same at 1 part water to 1 part sugar. In fact, you’ll make simple syrup in the saucepan and then add in these additional flavors to infuse.

    Here are some of our favorites:

    • This basic simple syrup recipe is the classic for a reason!
    • Use up a harvest of fresh mint by making mint simple syrup. This is great in the summertime for when your garden is producing like mad!
    • Add cinnamon sticks, and let them infuse for 1-3 hours to create cinnamon simple syrup. This is spectacular in fall drinks, like Gin Apple Pie Cocktail and Apple Cider Moscow Mule!
    • Throw in some fresh (or frozen!) cherries to infuse and make Cherry Syrup.
    • Use honey instead of sugar to make Honey Simple Syrup! We love this in Honey Lemonade.
    • Add peeled, fresh ginger root, and let it infuse for 30-45 minutes to make ginger simple syrup.

    Keep in mind that when you infuse simple syrup with flavors, the stronger the flavors will be the longer you steep them.

    Also — keep in mind that everyone’s tastebuds are different!

    If you’re concerned that your infused simple syrup might become too strong (or not be strong enough), do a taste test after a little while. This will give you an idea of how the flavors are coming together. You can let them continue to do their thing or remove the infusion ingredient because you’re done!  

    Vanilla sweet cream swirls into cold brew coffee

    Recipes to try this vanilla syrup with:

    This would add lovely vanilla notes to Fresh Squeezed Lemonade or Strawberry Lemonade. You could also use it in place of a brown sugar syrup in this gorgeous Jasmine Milk Tea!

    Sweeten your favorite iced coffee, like this Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew or Cold Brew with Homemade Vanilla Mint Creamer.

    Just want to make this recipe? Scroll on down for it…

    vanilla simple syrup pours into a glass of cold brew coffee on a pink surface

    Vanilla Simple Syrup

    Vanilla Simple Syrup is the perfect sweet addition for drinks and more throughout the entire year. All you need are three ingredients and a little time to make this vanilla syrup for coffee, cocktails, mocktails, desserts, breakfasts and more.
    No ratings yet
    Servings 24 (½ oz.) servings
    Calories 36 kcal
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Infusing Time 30 minutes

    Ingredients
      

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Instructions
     

    • Split the vanilla bean in half so that the vanilla bean caviar (those little seeds) can soak into the simple syrup. Set aside.
    • Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan.
    • Heat over medium heat, swirling or stirring as the syrup ingredients heat up, until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take 3-4 minutes.
    • Remove from the heat. Add the split vanilla bean.
    • Let the flavors infuse for about 2 hours. Give it a taste at the 1-hour mark to see how it tastes for you. If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, let it steep for longer.
    • When done infusing, pour into a mason jar or a fancy jar that seals and then store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

    Notes

    Makes 1 ¼ cups total.
    Store in an airtight container (mason jar, bottle, etc.) for up to a month in the refrigerator

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 (½ oz.) servingCalories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.04gFat: 0.04gSaturated Fat: 0.001gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.005gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.002gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 7mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.02mg
    Keyword simple syrup, simple syrup recipe, vanilla bean, vanilla recipe
    Course Mocktails & Nonalcoholic Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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