Vanilla syrup for cocktails is a must-have addition to your home bar. Vanilla simple syrup is an easy way to enhance the flavor and sweetness of your favorite drinks. Shop the best-premade vanilla syrups and learn how to make your own at home!
The Best Premade Vanilla Syrups
Pink House Alchemy Vanilla Bean Syrup
Winner Best Vanilla Syrup
The vanilla bean syrup from Pink House Alchemy can be purchased in a pack of 1, 2, or 3 16-ounce bottles. This syrup is made using cane sugar, water, vanilla beans, vanilla extract, and lactic acid.
The simple recipe is made in small batches to ensure the best quality with all-natural ingredients and a farm-to-bottle process.
There are never any dyes or preservatives in Pink House Alchemy products. You can feel good knowing you’re supporting a woman-owned brand with this versatile syrup that can be added to cocktails, coffee, cakes, and more.
Amoretti Premium French Vanilla Syrup
Runner Up
Amoretti Premium French vanilla syrup is a bit pricey at $22.91 for a 25.4-ounce bottle, but there’s a noticeable difference in quality compared to cheaper options. The syrup is produced in southern California using only high-quality, natural ingredients.
This syrup is thicker and more flavorful than competing syrups without the overwhelming sweetness you find in a lot of simple syrup options.
One pump of Amoretti syrup offers the same amount of flavor as 2 or 3 pumps of other syrups, so the bottle will last a while.
Jordans Skinny Gourmet Vanilla Syrup
Best Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
It’s hard to argue with the more than 18,000 reviews with a 4.5-star average for Jordans skinny Gourmet vanilla syrup. This syrup contains no calories, carbs, or sugar. You can add it to all your favorite cocktail recipes, coffee, and tea completely guilt-free!
Each bottle contains 25.4 ounces for $7.67, or you can order packs of 2 and 6 bottles to stock up. There’s a distinct vanilla aroma with a smooth flavor that’s extremely versatile.
Lakanto Monk Fruit Vanilla Syrup
Best Monk Fruit Vanilla Syrup
Monk fruit is a natural sweetener, and it’s the key to this vegan, keto, sugar-free syrup from Lakanto. There’s just 1g of carbs per serving. Each 25.4-ounce bottle is priced at $13.99.
This health-conscious vanilla syrup can be added to cocktails, coffee, tea, tonics, and desserts for a strong vanilla flavor that fits into most dietary restrictions.
Holy Kakow Organic Vanilla Syrup
Best Organic
Holy Kakow Organic vanilla syrup is clearly unique at first glance. The color resembles maple syrup, unlike others that look clear or very lightly colored. This difference comes from the use of Colombian organic sugar. The sugar is rich in molasses which creates a darker color and a full-bodied flavor.
Himalayan salt is added to heighten the flavor even more. The result is a carefully curated, flavorful syrup made with only organic ingredients. Each 25.4-ounce bottle costs $20.99.
Monin Gluten Free Vanilla Syrup
Best Gluten-Free
Monin vanilla syrup is gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, and overall clean and labeled with carefully sourced ingredients. A light golden yellow color is achieved using Madagascar vanilla, which brings warm, smooth flavors. Each 33.8-ounce bottle is priced at $17.80.
In addition to the wonderful flavors and colors in this syrup, the brand gives back in a big way. Monin has a syrup recycling initiative that has fed over 374 billion bees since 2008 with waste syrup that otherwise would’ve ended up in a landfill.
Torani Puremade Vanilla Syrup
Honorable Mention
Torani vanilla syrup is a popular choice because it can easily be found both online and in many major chain grocery stores. The flavor is simple, sweet, and smooth, with notes reminiscent of sweet Italian cream.
While there’s nothing particularly unique about Torani syrup, it’s a convenient choice, and the syrup is 100% clear, so it won’t alter the appearance of your cocktails.
A 24.5-ounce bottle is $14.89, and multipacks are available.
Vanilla Syrup Recipes
Vanilla Simple Syrup
by Liquor.com
Making your own vanilla syrup is surprisingly easy, with only three ingredients! Homemade syrup recipes tend to create a rich simple syrup that has fresher flavors than premade options.
To follow this syrup recipe, begin by adding 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir regularly on medium heat until the granulated sugar has dissolved completely.
Next, split one whole vanilla bean in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the split vanilla bean. Allow the syrup to steep for several hours before straining it into a glass jar or bottle.
Grab the prepared syrup next time you’re crafting a drink in a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy an infusion of sweet vanilla flavor!
Vanilla Simple Syrup with Vanilla Extract
This recipe uses pure vanilla extract instead of real vanilla beans. To make the syrup, follow the same process of heating sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Next, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
Once the sugar water has cooled, you can add vanilla extract. Pour the syrup into a glass bottle with a lid or a mason jar to store.
Vanilla Syrup with Vanilla Bean Paste
Making simple syrup with vanilla bean paste is a less common method, but the final result tastes incredible. The recipe begins by heating water and sugar until combined.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add one tablespoon of pure vanilla bean paste and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
By using a vanilla paste, the simple syrup will have small specs of vanilla bean in the syrup to strengthen the flavor and enhance the appearance.
FAQs
Can you use extra vanilla instead of vanilla syrup?
Vanilla extract has an intense flavor but no sweetness. Adding extract will not have the same effect as adding vanilla syrup.
Can you make a vanilla simple syrup with a sugar substitute?
You can use your preferred sugar substitute like monk fruit, stevia, or agave syrup instead of granulated sugar in any homemade recipe, but the taste will be affected.
How long can you store homemade vanilla syrup?
If your vanilla syrup is stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge, it can last for up to 4 weeks.
What can you use vanilla syrup for?
Vanilla syrup can be added to cocktails, your morning coffee drinks, smoothies, desserts, cold beverages, and hot beverages. Pretty much anywhere you want to infuse sweet vanilla flavor, you can add the syrup!
Key Takeaways
- If you make simple vanilla syrup at home, do not allow the water and sugar to boil. Heat it just enough for the sugar to dissolve.
- Use a small funnel for easy pouring between a small saucepan and mason jars or glass bottles.
- Not all premade simple syrups are created equal! Pay attention to where the ingredients are sourced from and how they’re prepared.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you incorporate vanilla syrup in your favorite cocktails!
