Starbucks Copycat Vanilla Syrup

What is Starbucks vanilla syrup made of?

Starbucks vanilla syrup is made up of the following ingredients; sugar, water, natural flavor, potassium sorbate (preservative), and citric acid. 

Most other coffee shop syrups will contain similar ingredients to extend the shelf life of their syrups. 

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 this vanilla syrup for coffee recipe

1. Add water and white sugar to a small saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. 
3. 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. 

Alternative method using a vanilla bean pod

1. 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. 
2. Allow to cool and strain, discard the vanilla pod.

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. 

What are the ingredients in vanilla syrup?

Simple vanilla syrup is made with water, sugar and either one whole vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract. It is made with simple ingredients (and no preservatives). 

How many tablespoons are in a pump of vanilla syrup?

One pump of vanilla syrup at Starbucks is about 1/4 ounce, or 1/2 tablespoon. 

Does Starbucks make their own syrup?

While there are Starbucks brand syrups they stopped making their own in 2022. Based on a quick google search it appears that they are now made by a company named Fontana Flavors. 

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.