Make Your Own Coffee Syrup
Once you learn how to make lattes and cappuccinos, your next step might be to start creating fancy flavored coffee drinks. The big name coffee shops have made an entire industry out of flavored drinks, from classic caramel favorites to pumpkin spice holiday treats. You may want to treat yourself to some flavored syrups to make these drinks, but the small bottles can be pricey. Instead of relying on what the manufacturers want to give you, make your own flavor combinations for a fraction of the price.
Coffee syrup flavorings come in two major types. Those ingredients you have to extract the flavor from, such as fruits and vanilla beans, and those that are ready to go such as flavored extracts. Put the ingredients that need extracting in the pot before you begin cooking, but leave the other kind out until the end of the process.
Measure 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of filtered water into a heavy saucepan. If you have any ingredients that need mixing in, such as raspberries or vanilla beans, place them in the pot now. Place it on the stove over medium high heat. Stir constantly until all the sugar is dissolved. If you have ingredients in the pot, turn the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about ten minutes.
Remove the pot from the stove. If you have only sugar and water, or if you want to add any additional flavorings, stir them in now. This is the time to add mint extract, vanilla extract or any other exotic flavoring you may like.
Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into an attractive bottle. Allow the syrup to cool and keep it refrigerated. Use the liquid in coffee or tea, or treat the kids by pouring a splash into their cocoa in the morning.
Get creative with this recipe and invent your own flavor mixtures. When you create unique flavor blends and package them in attractive olive oil bottles or other glass bottles, your private stock coffee flavor syrup makes a perfect housewarming or holiday gift for friends and family. Don’t forget to check out our other coffee recipes including coffee bbq sauce and coffee-chocolate brownies (yum!).
