How to Make Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla lattes, vanilla cappuccinos, vanilla milk.....we all know how delicious boutique coffee drinks can be. We also know how expensive they are. If you want to save money and make your own fancy drinks, read this article to learn how to make one key ingredient --- vanilla syrup.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 cups Sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 1 Vanilla Bean
• Small saucepan
• Bottle or jar

1. Gather your ingredients together. The most important ingredient is the vanilla bean. These can be found at spice stores or specialty markets. There are many different varieties of beans available. Each will produce a distinctive vanilla flavor. I used the cheapest bean I could find and still had a fragrant and delicious syrup. I can only imagine how the pricier beans would enhance my syrup.

2. Chop the vanilla bean into small pieces and slice the pieces lengthwise to release the sticky beans inside the pod.

3. Put 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar into a saucepan. Add the vanilla pieces.

4. 

   Bring this mixture to a boil. The sugar will melt and the liquid will become clear. I like to boil this syrup for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

5. Once your syrup has cooled, remove the large pieces of vanilla bean and pour it into a bottle. You will have small pieces of bean floating in your syrup --- this will continue to flavor the syrup. If you prefer clear syrup, strain through a coffee filter before bottling.

6. That's it! Your simple vanilla syrup will be good for months (if it lasts that long!). Keep it in the refrigerator. Now it's time to buy some good coffee beans and make yourself a latte!

Tips & Warnings

• The boiling sugar syrup will be hot. Handle with care.