How to Make Vanilla Syrup for Coffee: 7-Step Recipe & Coffee Recommendations 

Vanilla syrup is essential if you want to sweeten and elevate your coffee with complex, tropical flavors. 

This simple recipe makes enough vanilla syrup for 25 cups of coffee. It keeps for 6 months in the fridge and is guaranteed to leave you and your guests craving more.

What You Need to Make Vanilla Syrup

This vanilla syrup recipe is simple and easy to make. It requires only three ingredients and a few pieces of basic equipment you're likely to have in your kitchen. 

Here's what you'll need to make vanilla syrup:

Ingredients

• 1 Madagascan vanilla pod
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water 

Equipment

• Stove
• Pan
• Knife
• Stirring spoon
• Glass bottle or mason jar

How to Make Vanilla Syrup for Coffee: Step-by-Step

This simple recipe makes around 16 fluid ounces (two cups) of vanilla syrup. This is enough for roughly 25 cups of coffee — more if you prefer your coffee less sweet. 

Here's how to make it:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Pod

Using a sharp knife, dissect the vanilla pod and remove the minuscule seeds. This is best done on a small plate — the smooth surface ensures the majority of the seeds are retained. 

2. Prepare the Syrup

In a saucepan add two cups of white sugar and one cup of water. Place the pan on a low to medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar has completely dissolved. 

3. Add the Vanilla

Add the vanilla seeds and pod to the pan and stir to combine. 

4. Heat the Syrup

Continue to heat the syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 

Just as the mixture begins to bubble, drop the heat to low. Continue stirring occasionally, ensuring the mixture doesn't boil. Heat the syrup for 15 to 20 minutes before removing from the heat.

5. Allow the Syrup to Cool

Once you've removed the syrup from the heat, allow it to cool completely. This will take three or four hours. 

Stir the syrup every half an hour or so to prevent crystallization. 

6. Pour and Store

Once cooled to room temperature, pour the syrup into a large, sealable glass bottle or mason jar. Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to six months. 

7. Using the Syrup

To use the vanilla syrup, simply add one to two tablespoons (depending on how sweet you like your brew) to your coffee and stir to combine. 

What Types of Coffee Go Well With Vanilla?

Most types of coffee work well with vanilla. Vanilla compliments the smooth, mild flavor of arabica and tames the strong, bitter, nuttiness of robusta. 

If you prefer sweet, mild coffee we recommend Cafely DaLat (100% Arabica). If you like a slightly darker experience with a higher caffeine content, the DaNang Coffee (Robusta and Arabica) is a good option. If you like strong, dark coffee try the Hanoi Coffee (100% Robusta).

Vanilla syrup works particularly well in coffee with milk or cream. It enhances the sweet and creamy flavors of hot and iced coffees. It tastes fantastic In cappuccino, latte, mocha, and flat white coffee. It also pairs perfectly with white iced coffee, frozen coffee, and other chilled beverages. 

Top Four Vanilla Coffee Recipes

What types of coffee pair well with vanilla syrup? 

Most coffees, both iced and hot, taste great with a dash of vanilla syrup. However, some stand out from the rest when vanilla is added. 

Here are four vanilla coffee recipes you simply must try:

1. Vanilla Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is one of the best ways to enjoy vanilla syrup. The nutty, chocolatey flavors of an arabica and robusta blend such as Cafely Saigon OG pair wonderfully with sweet vanilla and creamy whole milk.

Here's what you'll need:

• Concentrated coffee
• Vanilla syrup
• Ice
• Milk

Here's how to make it:

1. Brew a strong black coffee using half the water you normally would and cool to room temperature.
2. Fill a tall serving glass with ice.
3. Pour in one or two shots of concentrated coffee.
4. Add one to two tablespoons of vanilla syrup.
5. Fill the rest of the glass with milk.
6. Stir, serve, and enjoy.

2. Vanilla Mocha Coffee

Chocolate, coffee, and vanilla are a trio worth trying. Vanilla mocha coffee is a delicious way to enjoy vanilla syrup. 

Here's what you need:

• Dark chocolate or cocoa powder
• Finely ground arabica coffee
• Vanilla syrup
• Milk
• Espresso machine
• Hot water

Here's how to make it:

1. Make a single or double shot of espresso.
2. To a bowl, add grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder and a small amount of hot water. Stir until a concentrated chocolate sauce is produced.
3. Add one to two tablespoons of vanilla syrup to the chocolate sauce.
4. Using the steam wand on your espresso machine, steam a cup of milk until light and velvety.
5. Gently stir the vanilla chocolate sauce into the milk.
6. Add the espresso to a mug, followed by the vanilla chocolate milk.
7. Store gently and enjoy hot.

3. Vanilla Frozen Coffee 

Thicker and more indulgent than iced coffee, vanilla frozen coffee is the perfect way to use your vanilla syrup in summertime. This milkshake-like coffee is guaranteed to please anyone who tries it. 

Here's what you'll need:

• Coffee
• Ice
• Vanilla syrup
• Milk
• Blender

Here's how to make it:

1. Brew a strong concentrated coffee using an espresso machine, moka pot, Aeropress filter, French press, or drip coffee maker. Allow the brew to cool to room temperature.
2. In a blender, add ice, milk, vanilla syrup, and the concentrated coffee.
3. Blend on low and slowly build up the speed until a slushy, milkshake-like drink has formed.
4. Pour the Frozen coffee into a large glass and enjoy.

4. Vanilla Latte

Looking for ways to spruce up a regular coffee and make your morning cup of Joe more exciting? 

Try adding vanilla syrup to a latte coffee. 

Here's what you'll need:

• Espresso 
• Milk
• Vanilla syrup
• Espresso machine with steam wand

Here's how to make vanilla latte:

1. Brew a single or double shot of espresso into a large coffee mug.
2. Add one to two teaspoons of vanilla syrup to the coffee.
3. Fill a steam pitcher with milk and froth with the steam wand of your espresso maker until a fine, velvety microfoam is produced.
4. Gently pour the foam over the coffee in a swirling motion.
5. Gently stir and enjoy while warm.

FAQs: Making Vanilla Syrup for Coffee

Want to learn more about vanilla syrup, coffee, and other tasty caffeinated beverages?

Read the answers to the frequently asked questions below…

1. Can I Use Vanilla Extract For Making Vanilla Syrup?

Yes. You can make vanilla syrup for coffee by using vanilla extract. However, the depth of flavor won't be the same as using real vanilla pods. Making vanilla syrup with extract is simple. Just heat sugar, water, and a few drops of vanilla extract in a pan. Heat, and stir to combine before cooling and storing.

2. How Many Pumps Of Vanilla Syrup Should I Add To My Coffee?

If you're using a store-bought syrup, one to two pumps are enough to flavor a regular-sized coffee. If you're using homemade vanilla syrup (recipe above), one to two tablespoons will suffice for a 240 mL mug of coffee. The exact amount needed depends on your palate and how sweet you like your coffee.

3. Can I Store Vanilla Syrup In The Refrigerator?

Yes. Homemade vanilla syrup should be kept in the refrigerator to increase its longevity. Some store-bought syrups require refrigeration but others do not. Check the label before storing.

4. What Is The Difference Between Arabica And Robusta Coffee Beans?

Arabica and robusta are beans from two different coffee species — Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta. They both differ in size, shape, caffeine content, and flavor profile. Arabica coffee is sweet and creamy with a mild caffeine hit. Robusta is dark, bold, and more bitter with a strong caffeine hit. 

5. What Is The Difference Between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Syrup?

Vanilla extract is a pure concentrated oil made from vanilla seeds and pods. Vanilla syrup is made using raw vanilla pods and seeds or an extract, sugar, and water. Vanilla syrup is much sweeter and less concentrated than vanilla extract. 

6. How Do I Make Cold Brew Coffee At Home?

Making cold brew coffee is simple. Take a container or, ideally, a French press. Fill it with ground coffee and cold water. Refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours, strain, and enjoy. 

7. Can You Use Vanilla Syrup in Black Coffee?

Yes. The sweetness of the sugar and the topical notes of vanilla pair wonderfully with black coffee. Vanilla syrup is a great way to tame the bold, dark, bitter flavors of robusta. For black vanilla coffee, we recommend a strong dark roast such as our HaNoi Coffee (100% Robusta).

8. What Is The Best Brewing Method For Strong Coffee?

The best brewing method for a strong, concentrated coffee is an espresso machine. If you don't have an espresso machine, a stovetop moka pot is a great way to make a strong shot of concentrated coffee. If you don't have either, try our Instant Vietnamese Espresso. 

9. Is Vanilla Syrup for Coffee Vegan?

Yes. Homemade vanilla syrup is vegan. Most store-bought vanilla syrup is also vegan-friendly but it's important to check the ingredient before assuming. 

10. What Is The Best Container To Store Vanilla Syrup In?

You should store vanilla syrup in an airtight container. The best container is a cam-locked glass bottle but air-tight mason jars also work well.