Are you ready to take your coffee and cocktail game up a notch? With the right syrup, you can make any drink special. Whether it’s an after-dinner espresso with a hint of vanilla or a sweet strawberry daiquiri that packs just enough punch, syrups are the perfect way to add flavor and complexity. In this ultimate guide to syrups for coffee and cocktails, I’ll show you how to create the best syrups for coffee and cocktails. Once you have tried out these syrups for coffee, you need to ask yourself one question: Do you need Starbucks syrups when you can make these great syrups at home for a fraction of the price?
Flavored syrups for drinks
Taking your coffee or cocktail to the next level is so easy with flavored syrups.
Sure, you can buy syrups everywhere. But do you want preservatives and coloring chemicals in your diet? The syrups that make my list are really easy to make and only use natural products.
Check out my top syrups, from classic favorites like vanilla and strawberry to more exciting options like peppermint and gingerbread.
Vanilla
It’s made by combining sugar, water, and vanilla extract or fresh vanilla pods. Vanilla syrup is a versatile sweetener that can be used to add flavor and sweetness to coffee, cocktails, and other drinks.
The result is a versatile syrup with an intense vanilla flavor that adds depth and complexity to drinks without overpowering them. It also goes well with fruits like strawberries or raspberries for added sweetness in smoothies or desserts. Whether you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your cup of Joe or want something special for baking purposes, this flavorful syrup is sure to become a staple in your fridge!
You won’t regret making vanilla syrup with my simple to follow recipe!
Mocha
Making your own mocha syrup at home is easy – all you need is some cocoa powder, sugar and water. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent treat in your morning coffee or something special to add to your next cocktail party, homemade mocha syrup will definitely hit the spot!
Check out my delicious mocha syrup recipe, it makes great mochas!
Salted caramel
Salted caramel syrup is an incredibly tasty addition to both coffee and cocktails. This luxurious syrup has a rich toffee flavor that’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of saltiness. Perfect for adding sweetness and depth to any beverage. I like to add it to lattes, hot cocoa and mochas.
From its smooth texture to its sweet-salty flavor profile, this classic syrup will quickly become one of your go-to ingredients when creating drinks at home!
Don’t miss out, check out my super easy salted caramel syrup recipe.
Peppermint
When you just need a refreshing taste for coffee, cocktails, smoothies, and desserts try peppermint syrup.
With its bright minty flavor, it adds a unique twist to classics like hot chocolate and iced coffees. That’s before you try out peppermint syrup to give an unexpected burst of flavor in cakes and cookies.
Don’t delay, try my peppermint syrup recipe today!
Gingerbread
Gingerbread syrup is sweet and spicy and smells like Christmas. Add it to coffee, cocktails, smoothies, and more.
With its warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, this simple syrup creates an inviting aroma that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re looking for something special for your morning cup of joe or a unique addition to your favorite winter cocktail recipes, gingerbread syrup adds the perfect touch of holiday cheer!
The holidays won’t be the same without it, so check out my super simple gingerbread syrup recipe.
Simple syrup
The absolute go-to syrup to add sweetness without changing the flavour of your coffee or cocktail – simple syrup.
And as its name implies, it really is so simple. With just two ingredients and a few minutes, you could be adding your own simple syrup to coffee cocktails and many other drinks that need some sweetness.
My simple syrup recipe will save you so much money buying simple syrup.
Simple syrup substitute
The coffee is brewing, so you go to the fridge and… Oh no, you’re out of simple syrup. Not to worry, there are so many great alternatives to simple syrup.
Just check out my complete guide to find the simple syrup alternatives that work best for you.
Brown sugar simple syrup
Brown sugar simple syrup is a sweet and delicious addition to any coffee or cocktail. It’s made with just two ingredients: brown sugar and water.
Not only does this syrup add sweetness to drinks, but its rich molasses flavor adds depth of character as well. With its versatility for both hot and cold beverages, brown sugar simple syrup is an essential ingredient for any barista or mixologist!
I prefer it to simple syrup so always make sure I have a batch in our fridge. Check out how easily you can make my brown sugar simple syrup.
Pumpkin spice
With a delicious, fall-inspired flavor pumpkin spice syrup adds an extra special touch to your favorite coffees, smoothies and cocktails. It’s even got all the warm spices of traditional pumpkin pie: cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, plus just enough sugar to keep you energised.
The only mistake would be to limit yourself to making and enjoying this magical syrup only during the fall.
Hazelnut
It’s got a distinct nutty aroma and sweet taste that adds complexity to any drink. Hazelnut syrup is made from hazelnuts, sugar and water. The nuts are roasted and ground into an extract, then combined with sugar and water. This creates a smooth, rich syrup that can be used as an ingredient in many different recipes. I really enjoy a squeeze of hazelnut syrup in my mid-morning cappuccino. It’s smooth nutty creamy and relaxing on a stressful day.
Irish cream
Irish cream syrup is sweet and creamy and adds a touch of Irish flair to your favorite hot or cold coffees and chilled cocktails. It has the classic flavors of whiskey and cream blended together with sugar for an irresistible taste.
With its velvety texture and unmistakable taste, for me, this syrup makes any coffee extra special. It works really well in iced coffees and with just a shot of espresso!
Caramel
Just imagine being able to stir toffees into your coffee. Wouldn’t be great? Well, I have the perfect solution – caramel syrup. But it gets even better, because this syrup not only tastes great, it smells like fresh caramel and toffee.
So, when you just want something sweet to add to your morning cup of joe; or a unique twist on classic cocktails, caramel syrup can be the perfect ingredient!
Hi, I’m Eric Loftuss, co-founder of Bean Thirst with my wife Sophie.
My Coffee journey started young. I used to help my mom with the weekly shopping trip and we always called in to a coffee wholesaler and retail outlet in our town.
I really started to learn about coffee when, while in college, I worked in a local coffee shop and trained as a barista. Even though I went on to qualify and work as a lawyer, I still get a kick out of brewing a cup of Joe.
Sophie and I are so glad to be part of your coffee journey. Find out more about us