How to Use Flavored Syrup in Coffee Without Overdoing It

Coffee syrup comes in a range of flavors. It's used to sweeten and alter the taste of hot-brewed coffee and is a key element in several iced beverages such as Starbucks’ Frappuccino and Dunkin’ Frosted coffee. 

Using coffee syrup is easy. Simply measure out the desired amount of syrup and stir it into your coffee until it has dissolved. If you've never used coffee syrup before, we recommend starting with a small amount before adding more to adjust to your taste. 

In this read, you'll learn how to use syrup to enhance the flavor of your coffee. We also have seven indulgent recipes to try with different types of coffee syrup.

For a delicious, ready-to-go drink made with NO added sugar, try our new and improved Vietnamese Coffee 2.0!

How to Use Coffee Syrup 

Using coffee syrup is a simple and versatile way to customize your coffee experience. Whether you prefer subtle sweetness, mild flavor notes, or bold bursts of flavor, coffee syrup can be tailored to your taste.

Here's how to use it:

1. Choose Your Coffee Syrup

First, choose your coffee syrup. Select a flavor that pairs well with the coffee you're making. Vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut are good all-rounders that work well in hot and iced beverages.

Crème brûlée, pumpkin spice, and chocolate syrups work well in milky, warm beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. 

2. Brew Your Coffee

Next, brew your coffee. The method you use depends on the equipment you have and the type of beverages you wish to make. 

French press, pour-over, and drip coffee makers are ideal for an “everyday” brew served black or white. An espresso machine, moka pot, or Aeropress filter works well for crafting strong, concentrated shots and milky lattes. 

Cold drip brewers, French press, and Clever Drippers work well for crafting cold brew and iced coffee. 

3. Add the Syrup

Once your coffee has brewed, pour it into a mug or glass and stir in your syrup. One to two tablespoons of syrup per eight-ounce (240 mL) serving of coffee is usually adequate. However, you may want to use less or more depending on your taste. 

If you've never used coffee syrup before, start with a teaspoon or two, try the coffee, and adjust to taste as needed. 

4. Mix the Syrup Well

Stir your coffee thoroughly to ensure the syrup fully dissolves, especially in cold coffee. For iced coffee, it helps to add the syrup while the coffee is still warm, then cool it down.

If you are sweetening cold brew, using a milk frother or whisk will help distribute the syrup throughout the brew faster. 

5. Garnish Your Brew (Optional)

Adding syrup to your coffee often gives it dessert-like qualities. To make your beverage even more indulgent, top it with whipped cream, frothed milk, and a dash more syrup. 

Popular Coffee Syrup Flavors

Here's a list of popular coffee syrup flavors that are perfect for enhancing both hot and cold coffee:

• Vanilla — One of the most popular syrups, vanilla adds a classic, smooth, sweet flavor that pairs well with most hot and cold coffee, with and without milk.
• Caramel — Rich, buttery, and slightly salted, caramel syrup adds a dessert-like sweetness and flavor to coffee. It pairs well with hot and cold coffee with plenty of milk or cream.
• Hazelnut — This syrup is nutty, sweet, and aromatic. It pairs well with the bitter notes of coffee and is a popular choice in lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and milky iced coffee. 
• Mocha (chocolate) — Chocolate syrup can be used to create both hot and iced mocha coffee. Chocolate and coffee have long been the perfect pair, balancing out each other's bitter and sweet notes.
• Pumpkin Spice — This seasonal syrup combines the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It was made popular by Starbucks and is perfect for crafting pumpkin spice lattes (PSL) at home. 
• Crème Brûlée — Crème Brûlée syrup combines vanilla and caramel flavors with a custard-like creaminess. It works well in warm or cold milky beverages such as lattes and creamy iced coffee. 
• Maple Syrup — If you want to add a subtle sweetness and mild, earthy flavor to your cup, maple syrup is a great option. The natural syrup works well in hot, cold, black, and white coffee. 
• Coconut — Coconut syrup adds a tropical, sweet twist to coffee. It pairs well with creamy iced beverages — especially those made with coconut milk or cream. It's an excellent choice for making vegan Vietnamese iced coffee. 
• Toffee Nut — This syrup was made popular by Starbucks. It adds a warm, buttery, nutty flavor to coffee and works well in lattes, cappuccinos, and iced beverages like the Frappuccino. 
• Gingerbread — This syrup adds a seasonal twist to your brew. It's perfect for crafting warm, winter-time lattes and hot white coffee. 
• Pistachio — This popular nut is everywhere at the moment. Pistachio syrup pairs wonderfully with creamy coffee from lattes to iced brews. It can also be added to mocha coffee to create an indulgent “Dubai chocolate” coffee. 
• Peppermint — Refreshing, bold, and warming, Peppermint coffee syrup is perfect for hot winter lattes and cold summer iced coffee. It works well in both black and iced coffee. 
• Raspberry — Raspberry coffee syrup works well in creamy iced beverages. The sweet, fruity notes of this berry create a milkshake-like flavor and aroma. 
• Lavender — Lavender coffee syrup is the least popular syrup on the list. However, it's an adventurous choice for coffee lovers who want to add a floral twist to strong black coffee or light, iced cold brews.

Seven Delicious Flavored Coffee Recipes

Coffee syrup can be used in a variety of beverages. Enhancing your coffee is as simple as stirring a tablespoon of syrup into your morning cup of drip coffee. However, the sweet, complex flavors of coffee syrup can be used to create a range of delicious, indulgent, creamy beverages — both hot and cold. 

Here are seven recipes to try:

1. Vanilla Iced Coffee

Using vanilla syrup is one of the best ways to enhance milky iced coffee.

The sweet, tropical notes of vanilla pair wonderfully with the smooth, dark, robust flavors of DaNang — a Vietnamese blend of arabica and robusta. Making vanilla iced coffee is simple and only requires a few ingredients…

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely DaNang (Robusta & Arabica) beans
• Vanilla syrup
• Water
• Ice
• Whole milk 
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Coffee grinder
• French press
• Kettle
• Large Drinking glass

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — The best brews are made with whole-bean coffee. Grind around 17 grams (2–3 tsp) to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.
2. Boil the Water — Boil 5 oz (150 mL) of fresh, filtered water in a kettle or pan. 
3. Brew the Coffee — Add the coffee and water to your French press. Place the lid on, but do not push the plunger through the brew yet. Allow the grounds to steep for 3–4 minutes. 
4. Strain and Cool — Push the plunger through the brew to separate the grounds. Pour the coffee into a separate cup and add a cube of ice to cool to room temperature. 
5. Assemble the Iced Coffee — In a large serving glass, add ice followed by the concentrated coffee. Add 1–2 tbsp of vanilla syrup and stir. Fill the rest of the glass with cold, fresh milk and stir once more to combine. 
6. Garnish and Serve — Top your iced coffee with a dash of whipped cream and a couple of whole coffee beans if desired. Serve with or without a straw and enjoy it while cold. 

2. Caramel Latte 

Caramel coffee syrup pairs perfectly with strong espresso coffee and steamed milk. This caramel latte recipe produces a beverage that's bold, sweet, creamy, and indulgent. Here's how to make it…

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely DaLat (100% Arabica)
• Caramel coffee syrup
• Water
• Whole milk
• Espresso machine
• Coffee grinder
• Steam wand
• Large coffee mug

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams (double) or 9 grams (single) of Cafely DaLat or another high-quality whole bean arabica coffee. Aim for a fine grind — similar in consistency to powdered sugar.
2. Brew the Espresso — Add the coffee to your portafilter, tamp it, and lock it into the group head of your espresso machine. Pull a shot of espresso — usually 25–30 seconds. 
3. Steam the Milk — Add 5 oz (150 mL) to 8 oz (240 mL) of whole milk to a steam pitcher. Using the steam wand on your espresso machine, steam the milk until light and frothy. It should have a velvety texture with a light microfoam on top. 
4. Prepare the Espresso — In a large coffee mug, add the shot of espresso and 1–2 tbsp of caramel coffee syrup. Stir gently to combine. 
5. Make the Latte — Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso, moving in a circular motion to combine. While doing so, hold back the microfoam with a small spoon. When most of the milk has been added, release the spoon and gently pour the microfoam on the surface of the beverage. 
6. Garnish and Serve — Dust the surface of the beverage with cocoa powder (optional) and serve. Enjoy while warm. 

3. Mocha Coffee 

Mocha coffee combines the bold, dark, bitter flavors of coffee with the smooth, sweet, rich flavors of chocolate. The easiest way to make mocha coffee is by using chocolate syrup. Here's how to make it…

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely Saigon OG (Arabica x Robusta x Peaberry)
• Chocolate coffee syrup
• Water
• Whole milk
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Coffee machine
• Coffee grinder 
• Large coffee mug

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — The best mocha is made with a balanced blend of whole-bean coffee. Opt for Saigon OG or a similar high-quality blend. The amount of coffee and grind size you'll need depends on your chosen brewing method. 
2. Brew the Coffee — Using a drip coffee maker, French press, pour-over, or espresso machine, brew a strong, black coffee. You'll need around 5 oz (150 mL) of brewed coffee for one 8-oz (240 mL) serving of mocha. 
3. Prepare the Milk — In a small pan, add around 3.4 oz (100 mL) of whole milk and gently heat it on a medium-low heat. Add 1–2 tbsp of chocolate syrup and froth lightly with a whisk or milk frother. 
4. Assemble the Mocha — In a large mug, add the coffee followed by the chocolate milk. Stir gently to combine. 
5. Garnish and Serve — Add a squirt of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Serve and enjoy while warm.

4. Caramel Frappuccino 

Starbucks’ Caramel Frappuccino is a delicious iced beverage with milkshake-like qualities. It's blended to create a thick, sweet, creamy brew. Here's how to make one at home…

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely DaLat (100% Arabica)
• Water
• Ice
• Whole milk
• Whipped cream
• Caramel syrup
• Coffee grinder
• Espresso machine
• Blender
• Large serving glass
• Straw (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams (double) or 9 grams (single) of 100% arabica coffee. Grind it to a fine consistency — similar in texture to powdered sugar. 
2. Brew the Espresso — Fill your portafilter with the ground coffee and tamp it. Lock in the portafilter to the grouphead of your espresso machine and pull a shot (25–30 seconds). 
3. Cool the Espresso — Allow the shot to cool to room temperature. You can speed this process up by pouring the shot back and forth between two cups. 
4. Prepare the Glass — Squirt some caramel sauce around the inside of your serving glass to create a “swirled” pattern. 
5. Blend the Ingredients — In a blender, add the espresso, 2 cups of ice, 1 cup of whole milk, and 2 tbsp of caramel syrup. Blend the ingredients until the ice is crushed and everything is thoroughly combined. 
6. Pour the Frappuccino — Gently pour the Frappuccino into your prepared serving glass, being careful not to disturb the caramel sauce. 
7. Garnish and Serve — Top the coffee with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve with a straw (optional) and enjoy it while ice cold. 

5. Crème Brûlée Latte 

The crème brûlée latte was made famous by Starbucks. It combines the flavors of coffee with the creamy, sweet, caramelized flavors of crème brûlée — a classic French dessert. This is an indulgent, dessert-like coffee that's the perfect after-dinner treat. Here's how to make it…

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely DaLat (100% Arabica)
• Crème brûlée syrup
• Water
• Whole milk
• Espresso machine
• Coffee grinder
• Steam wand
• Large coffee mug

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams of 100% arabica coffee to a fine consistency, similar to powdered sugar. 
2. Brew a Shot of Espresso — Fill your portafilter with the ground coffee and lock it into the group head of your espresso machine. Brew the shot of espresso (25–30 seconds). 
3. Steam the Milk — Add 5 oz (150 mL) to 8 oz (240 mL) of whole milk to a steam pitcher. Use the steam wand on your machine and, moving in a circular motion, steam the milk until it's warm, light, and velvety. 
4. Assemble the Latte — In a large mug, add the espresso shot and 2 tbsp of crème brûlée coffee syrup and stir gently to combine. Slowly pour the steamed milk into the cup with a circular motion, holding back the microfoam with a spoon. Once poured, release the spoon so the foam settles on top of the brew. 
5. Garnish and Serve — Add a dusting of brown sugar to the top of your latte and serve. Enjoy while hot. 

6. Caramel Iced Coffee 

If you enjoy the sweet, salty flavors of caramel and milky iced coffee, you'll love caramel iced coffee. This is a simple beverage to make and only requires a few ingredients. Here's how to make one…

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely DaNang (Arabica and Robusta) 
• Caramel syrup
• Water 
• Ice
• Milk
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Coffee grinder
• Coffee maker 
• Large serving glass

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — Grind a 100% arabica coffee, such as DaLat, or a well-balanced blend like DaNang. The amount and grind size needed depend on the brewing method you use. 
2. Brew the Coffee — Brew a strong, concentrated shot of coffee using a brewing method of your choice. French press, drip coffee maker, moka pot, Aeropress, or pour-over brewers work. Aim for a strong shot with a volume of no more than 3.4 oz (100 mL). 
3. Add Caramel Syrup — Add 1–2 tbsp of caramel syrup to the hot shot of coffee and stir to combine. Adding the syrup while the coffee is hot allows it to dissolve better. 
4. Cool the Coffee — Allow the concentrated coffee to cool to room temperature. You can speed up the process by adding a single ice cube or pouring the coffee back and forth between two cold mugs. 
5. Prepare the Glass — Squirt swirls of caramel syrup around the inside of a large serving glass, then half fill it with ice. 
6. Assemble the Iced Coffee — Add your coffee shot to the glass and fill the rest with cold, fresh milk. Stir to combine the coffee and milk, or serve it "marbled" — where the coffee and milk are slightly separated. 
7. Garnish and Serve — Top your caramel iced coffee with a dollop of whipped cream and a swirl of caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy it while cold with (or without) a straw. 

7. Pumpkin Spice Latte

The pumpkin spice latte was made famous by Starbucks. It's a seasonal drink that combines the flavors of pumpkin spice (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) with espresso and steamed milk.

Although this is considered a fall-time drink, you can enjoy it at any time of the year if you make it at home… 

Ingredients & Equipment:

• Cafely DaLat (100% Arabica)
• Pumpkin spice syrup
• Water
• Whole milk
• Coffee grinder
• Espresso machine
• Steam wand
• Large coffee mug

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams (double) or 9 grams (single) of arabica coffee to a fine consistency similar to powdered sugar. 
2. Brew the Espresso — Fill the portafilter with coffee and lock it into the grouphead of your machine. Run the machine for a 25–30 second extraction to produce a rich, dark, creamy espresso shot. 
3. Steam the Milk — Add around 5 oz (150 mL) of whole milk to a steam pitcher. Steam the milk using the wand on your machine until it's warm, smooth, and velvety.
4. Assemble the Latte — In a large coffee mug, add 1–2 tbsp of pumpkin spice syrup, followed by the espresso shot. Stir gently to combine. Then, gently pour over the steamed milk, holding back the microfoam with the back of a spoon. Once you've poured the majority of the milk, release the spoon so the microfoam settles on top. 
5. Serve and Enjoy — Add a dusting of cinnamon (optional) and serve while warm. 

FAQs: Using Coffee Syrup 

Want to learn more about coffee syrup and the best brewing methods?

Check out the answers to the FAQs below:

1. What is Coffee Syrup?

Coffee syrup is a sweet, flavored liquid used to enhance the taste of coffee. It’s commonly added to hot or iced coffee drinks for both sweetness and variety in flavor. It can be used in black coffee to add sweetness or in milky beverages to create a dessert-like experience. 

2. How is Coffee Syrup Made?

Coffee syrup is typically made by combining sugar, water, and a concentrated flavor extract. You can make coffee syrup at home by dissolving two parts sugar to one part water in a saucepan before stirring in a concentrated flavor or essence. You can also infuse the syrup with natural aromatics such as vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or crushed nuts. 

3. How Many Types of Coffee Syrup Exist?

There are hundreds of different types of coffee syrups on the market. You'll find everything from classic varieties (vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut) to more unique flavor combinations (crème brulee, pumpkin spice, and gingerbread). 

4. What’s the Most Popular Coffee Syrup?

The most popular coffee syrup is vanilla. This flavor pairs well with both hot and iced coffee, served black or with milk. If you're new to coffee syrup, vanilla is the most versatile option to start with. 

5. How Can I Make Crème Brûlée Coffee Syrup?

You can buy crème brûlée syrup from brands such as Monin. However, you can make a similar-tasting syrup by combining vanilla and caramel. If you already have vanilla and caramel syrup, combine the two in equal parts before adding them to your coffee. 

If you want to make the syrup from scratch, simmer two parts sugar with one part water until all the sugar is dissolved. Then, add a few drops of vanilla extract and caramel flavor. Remove the pan from the heat, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight jar or bottle. 

6. How Many Types of Coffee Syrup Does Starbucks Have?

Starbucks typically offers around eight to 10 syrups at a time, including vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, mocha, toffee nut, and seasonal flavors like peppermint or pumpkin spice. Syrup availability can vary by season and location.

7. How Long Does Coffee Syrup Last?

Store-bought coffee syrup lasts for 12 to 24 months after opening — sometimes longer if it's refrigerated. Homemade syrup lasts anywhere from one to 12 months, depending on the ratio of sugar to water used and how it's stored. Always store homemade syrup in the fridge — this will prolong its shelf life. 

8. Can You Make Vanilla Coffee Syrup at Home?

Yes. You can make vanilla syrup easily at home. Simply bring two parts white sugar and one part water to a simmer before adding a split vanilla pod. Leave the syrup over a low heat for 30 minutes to an hour to infuse and then strain, cool, and bottle for storage. 

9. How Much Sugar is in Coffee Syrup?

Most commercial syrups contain four to five grams of sugar per teaspoon. Sugar-free versions are also available, using alternatives like sucralose or stevia. Homemade syrup can contain anywhere from five to 10 grams of sugar per teaspoon, depending on the ratio you use. 

10. How Many Tablespoons of Coffee Syrup Should I Use?

Most recipes call for one to two tablespoons of syrup per eight-ounce (240 mL) serving of coffee. However, you can adjust the amount based on how strong or sweet you want your drink to be.