Making Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla Syrup 6

This was not on my priority to do list, but I came across some cocktails requiring vanilla syrup and was like – wtf vanilla syrup?  Katie was like – oh yeah, they sell those big pump bottle things, like they have at starbucks and stuff as flavour shots.  That’s vanilla syrup.

So great, I didn’t want to buy a giant bottle of this stuff, and when I started looking around I came across some recipes that didn’t make it sound so hard.  Most of them called for fresh vanilla beans – like I’m Martha Stewart or something.  We had vanilla extract, which is what I ended up using.

Things you’ll need:

  • 2/3 cup White Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Water
  • Time ~10 minutes
  • Heat Source
  • Saucepan

Step 1:

Place saucepan on burner, unless you’re quick leave the burner off for now.

Step 2:

Pour sugar in to saucepan.

Vanilla Syrup 1

The recipe I had originally found called for “light brown sugar” but I only had what looks like medium brown sugar, so that’s what I used.

Vanilla Syrup 2

Step 3:

Add 1 cup water.  At this point you can turn the heat on (medium high).

Vanilla Syrup 3

Step 4:

Stir until the sugar dissolves.  Keep on the heat and wait for it to start to boil.  Boil for approximately 5 minutes.

Vanilla Syrup 4

Step 5:

Remove from heat and let stand 5-10 minutes.  Then add vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly.

Vanilla Syrup 5

Step 6:

Let stand until cool.  Pour in to container for safe keeping.  The recipe I followed said use within 2 weeks, so this probably isn’t shelf stable.

Vanilla Syrup 6

This is very sweet, and has a very strong vanilla taste.  Enjoy!