A fragrant, sweet and versatile syrup that adds a rich vanilla flavour to tea, coffee, cocktails and other drinks. This easy vanilla simple syrup recipe can be ready in just minutes and made with vanilla beans or vanilla extract.

Homemade Vanilla Syrup for Drinks

Vanilla simple syrup is one of those quietly useful recipes that once you start making it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it. At its most basic, it is simply sugar and water gently heated together until smooth, then infused with vanilla.

Unlike store-bought syrups, homemade vanilla syrup has a softer, more natural flavour that blends beautifully into tea and coffee. There are no preservatives and stabilizers, too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with just 3 ingredients: Sugar, water, and vanilla. That’s it!
Customizable: Choose between vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste or whole vanilla beans.
Affordable: Homemade vanilla simple syrup is cheaper than store-bought version.
Versatile: Delicious in tea, coffee, lemonades, cocktails and desserts.

How to Use Vanilla Simple Syrup

Once you have vanilla simple syrup on hand, it becomes incredibly easy to make delicious drinks and treats at home. Here are some ideas:

Tea and Lattes: Add to sweeten and flavour hot or iced tea and coffee.
Cocktails: Ideal in drinks like an Old Fashioned or espresso martini.
Sparkling Water: Stir into sparkling water for a vanilla soda.
Desserts: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, French toast or ice cream.
Baking Glazes: Mix into glazes or soak cake layers for extra moisture and flavour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Granulated sugar
Water
Vanilla

Vanilla Options (Choose One)

Vanilla is the star here and you have a few great options depending on what you have on hand:

Vanilla Extract: The most accessible and affordable. You can use pure vanilla extract or imitation.
Vanilla Bean Pods: Most aromatic and natural option, however it is the most expensive.
Vanilla Bean Paste: This is my favourite option for something in-between the other 2 options. It offers a strong, warm vanilla flavour and it is also great for visible vanilla flecks.

Easy Vanilla Bean Syrup Recipe

Ingredient measurements and full directions are in the printable recipe card below.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add vanilla and stir.

Let the vanilla simple syrup cool then pour it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

If you are using vanilla bean paste or pods to make this syrup, the vanilla flecks may settle to the bottom of the container over time so it is recommended to stir before using.

Storage Tips

Always store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best when used within 4 weeks. I recommend marking the date on the container for freshness tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best vanilla to use?

I wouldn’t say there is a best vanilla option to use. All options are great, it just depends on your budget and accessibility. Whole vanilla beans offer the richest flavour but are quite pricey. Vanilla bean paste is a great middle ground. For budget-friendly options, pure vanilla extract works well too.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white?

Yes, you can try this recipe with brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavour.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be sure to keep the 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio consistent.