You are going to love how easy it is to make homemade vanilla syrup for coffee drinks at home. This Starbucks copycat vanilla syrup is smooth, sweet, and perfect for iced coffee, lattes, cold brew, hot coffee and more. Since it’s a simple syrup, it blends easily into cold drinks without sinking to the bottom.
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While the grocery store I shop at has vanilla beans and vanilla bean paste, they are expensive. Two vanilla bean pods cost $14, and at the local spice store one small bean is $5. So I chose to make my vanilla syrup using vanilla extract to make it more affordable.
Making a homemade syrup like this is especially cost-effective when compared to what you would spend to get your favorite coffee shop drinks out. Plus, this delicious vanilla syrup can be used to add a touch of sweetness to iced tea and other hot and cold drinks besides coffee.
Ingredient Notes
See recipe card for exact amounts.
- Granulated Sugar: We use regular sugar, you can use organic cane sugar if you want. I have not tried this recipe with a sugar substitute. Brown sugar will give this vanilla syrup richer color with notes of molasses flavor.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is best, not imitation vanilla. See below for details on making this recipe with a real vanilla bean.
- Water: Purified water can be used, we use tap water.
How to Make Vanilla Syrup
- Add water and white sugar to a small saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves.
- Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow to cool and transfer it to a jar. If using a mason jar you can pour it right into the jar and allow it to cool there.
How to Make Vanilla Syrup with Vanilla Beans
- Add the water, sugar and vanilla bean to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool and strain, discard the vanilla pod.
Does Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Have Dairy?
No, Starbucks vanilla syrup is dairy free. The syrup does not contain milk or cream products.
What is Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Made Of?
Starbucks vanilla syrup contains sugar, water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, and citric acid. Unlike homemade vanilla syrup, the Starbucks version also contains preservatives to extend shelf life.
Does Starbucks Make Their Own Syrup?
Starbucks branded syrups are made by Fontana Flavors.
Coffee Recipes with Vanilla Syrup
- Vanilla Latte – a shot of espresso or strong coffee and vanilla syrup, topped with steamed milk.
- Vanilla Iced Coffee – room temperature or cold coffee and vanilla syrup poured over ice.
- Vanilla Frappuccino – brewed coffee (or espresso), milk, and vanilla syrup blended and topped with whipped cream. I make a super easy version of this drink.
- Vanilla Macchiato – a shot of espresso or strong coffee and vanilla syrup, topped with a dollop of frothed milk.
- Vanilla Affogato – vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso and drizzle of vanilla syrup.
Storage
Store vanilla syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a month. We store ours in a mason jar, you can use a glass bottle with a pump. If you store it in a jar be sure to use a clean spoon to measure out the desired amount so you don’t contaminate what is in the container.
FAQs
One pump of Starbucks vanilla syrup is about ½ tablespoon, or ¼ ounce.
A Starbucks Tall drink usually contains 3 pumps of syrup, Grande has 4 pumps, and Venti has 5 to 6 pumps depending on the drink.
More Coffee Syrups You’ll Love
- White Chocolate Mocha – Perfect in coffee, or as a topping on pancakes, ice cream or other desserts.
- Pumpkin Spice – Great in a coffee or latte or combined with maple syrup for pancakes.
- Toffee Nut – All you need is toffee bits, sugar and water to make this versatile syrup.
- Caramel Sauce – A great addition to hot or iced coffee, and also great as a dessert topping.
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Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add water and white sugar to a small saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves, usually about 2 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- Cool and transfer to a jar. It can be poured into a mason jar while it is still hot.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.