If you’ve ever had a vanilla syrup that tasted more like fake birthday cake than real vanilla, this recipe is for you.
Made with real vanilla bean and organic cane sugar, this 2:1 syrup is endlessly versatile—great for both cocktails and coffee (and even dessert).
Unlike extracts or artificial flavorings, this syrup starts with a whole vanilla bean pod, sliced open to infuse the syrup with thousands of tiny, fragrant seeds. The result? A syrup that feels luxurious and delivers pure vanilla flavor without being cloying or one-dimensional.
Why Use a 2:1 Ratio?
This is a rich simple syrup, meaning it uses two parts sugar to one part water. The higher sugar concentration gives the syrup a thicker texture, longer shelf life, and more weight in cocktails. Rich syrups also mix better with spirit-forward drinks, adding body and a silky finish. Read more about 1:1 syrups vs. 2:1 by clicking here.
Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup Recipe
What You’ll Need:
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200g organic cane sugar
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100g water
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1 whole vanilla bean pod
Instructions:
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Slice the Vanilla Bean
Use a sharp knife to carefully split the vanilla bean pod lengthwise. Gently scrape out the tiny seeds inside—these will infuse your syrup with that classic vanilla flavor (and those gorgeous little flecks). -
Make the Syrup Base
In a small saucepan, combine 200g organic cane sugar with 100g water. Stir gently and heat over low to medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely—don’t let it boil. -
Steep with Vanilla
Add the scraped vanilla seeds and the whole pod to the warm syrup. Stir gently and let it steep for at least 15–20 minutes off the heat. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor. -
Strain and Bottle
Strain out the vanilla pod (or leave it in! Just know the flavor will get more intense as it sits in the syrup). Pour into a clean glass bottle or jar. -
Store and Enjoy
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 weeks. Add a splash of vodka (about ½ oz) to help preserve it.
How to Use Vanilla Bean Syrup
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Vanilla Old Fashioned – ¼ oz adds soft depth without overpowering
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Coffee & Espresso Martinis – Helps bring balance and texture.
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Whiskey & Cream Cocktails – Perfect in anything with Irish cream or eggnog 🎅🏼
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Rum Punches & Tiki Drinks – Adds mellow roundness to tropical spice
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Coffee, Lattes & Cold Brew – Don’t save it just for cocktails!
Final Pour
This Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients give you the biggest results. It’s fairly easy to make (once you get your hands on some vaniall bean pods at least), and way more nuanced than anything you’ll buy off a shelf.
Whether you’re stirring up a weekend cocktail or just making your morning coffee feel like a treat, this syrup deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.
Tag @highproofpreacher or #simplesyrupmonthly with your creations— I love seeing how you put these syrups to work.
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