Vanilla Coffee Syrup Recipe

If you’re tired of store bought syrups filled with artificial ingredients and high fructose corn syrup, making your own homemade vanilla coffee syrup is a game changer. Not only is it more cost effective, but it’s also simple, delicious and customizable.

Whether you’re a latte lover, iced coffee fan, or hot brew enthusiast, this easy recipe will bring coffeehouse vibes right into your kitchen. And it’s literally so easy to make with only 3 ingredients!

Why Make Your Own Vanilla Coffee Syrup?

Creating your own coffee syrup at home puts you in control of both ingredients and flavor. You can avoid unnecessary preservatives and sweeteners while tailoring the sweetness and intensity of the vanilla to your liking.

Benefits of Homemade Coffee Syrup:

• Simple ingredients
• Customizable sweetness and flavor
• Budget friendly
• Perfect for gifts or meal prepping
• Pairs with hot, iced, or blended coffee drinks

Plus, it only takes three ingredients and a few minutes to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This homemade vanilla syrup uses pantry staples. Here’s what you need:

• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Vanilla extract

That’s it! Simple, clean, and easy to scale up if you want to make a larger batch.

Pro Tip: For a more gourmet flavor, consider using a vanilla bean instead of extract. Just slice one pod lengthwise and simmer it in the syrup

Hands down my favorite vanilla to use is THIS MEXICAN VANILLA. I found it on Amazon recently but this is the brand that my grandmother has used for the past 20+ years and is the best I’ve ever tasted!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Coffee Syrup

Follow these step by step instructions for a smooth, flavorful vanilla syrup:

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Water

In a small saucepan over medium / high heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Step 2: Simmer

Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Optional: If using a vanilla bean, simmer it for 10-15 minutes to infuse the syrup, then remove it before storing.

Step 3: Add in Vanilla

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Allow the syrup to cool completely before pouring it into a glass bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Use Vanilla Syrup in Coffee

This syrup works in hot coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, espresso drinks, and lattes. Start by adding 1-2 tablespoons per cup, then adjust based on your sweetness preference.

Try it in:

• Iced vanilla lattes
• Vanilla cold brew
• Vanilla cappuccinos
• Hot brewed coffee
• Vanilla frappes or blended drinks

You can also drizzle it over pancakes, oatmeal, or desserts for a hint of sweetness and flavor.

Storage Tips & Shelf Life

To keep your syrup fresh and flavorful:

• Store in a sealed glass container (like a mason jar or syrup bottle).
• Keep refrigerated.
• Label with the date it was made.
• Use within 2 weeks for best taste.

If you used a vanilla bean, the syrup may last a bit longer and continue to develop flavor as it sits.

Vanilla Coffee Syrup

Print

Add rich, smooth vanilla flavor to your coffee with this easy homemade vanilla coffee syrup! Made with just three simple ingredients, sugar, water and vanilla extract. This syrup is perfect for lattes, iced coffees, cold brew, and more. Skip the store bought version and enjoy a clean, customizable syrup that tastes just like your favorite coffeehouse.

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes

Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 C Granulated Sugar
• 1 C Water
• 1 TBS Vanilla Extract

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium / high heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it cook for 5–7 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Transfer the syrup to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Make sure to cool completely before adding a lid.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.