Old-Fashioned Vanilla Simple Syrup in 15 Minutes
Simple syrup brings back memories of soda fountains tucked into dusty corners of old downtowns. My grandmother worked at one as a teen, swirling ice cream into sundaes and drawing sodas from gleaming chrome dispensers. Every bottle had a story. And the vanilla syrup? It was always her favorite.
Now, we can bring that sense of nostalgia home with an easy vanilla simple syrup recipe. No candy thermometer, no fuss—just a few pantry staples and ten minutes on the stove. Perfect for drizzling into Coke for a retro treat, stirring into cold brew, or even gifting in a pretty jar with a handwritten label.
You’ll love this pistachio brittle recipe too—it pairs wonderfully with soda-fountain vibes.
Feeling nostalgic? These vintage recipes might hit the sweet spot:
What You’ll Need
- Water – purified is best for flavor clarity
- Sugar – granulated white for classic taste
- Vanilla Extract – we love this organic Madagascar version for rich, floral notes.
How to Make Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Simmer the Base: Combine 1 cup water and 2 cups sugar in a saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add Flavor: Stir in 1–1.5 tsp vanilla extract. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Bottle It Up: Let cool and pour into a clean airtight glass bottle. (We like bottles with swing tops—they seal tightly and look adorable on a brunch table!)
Store in the fridge up to 2 months.
Tips for the Perfect Syrup
- You’ll only need three ingredients, but the quality matters:
- Water – Filtered or spring water helps the flavor shine without chlorine or minerals altering the taste.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar gives you a clear, clean base. Want to switch it up? Try turbinado for a hint of molasses or coconut sugar for nutty depth.
- Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla (not imitation) adds warmth and complexity. You can even use vanilla bean paste for a speckled, luxe finish.
Pro Tip: Gently heat your vanilla extract with the syrup at the end instead of boiling it from the start to preserve flavor.
Serving Ideas
Here are a few ways we love using this old-fashioned vanilla simple syrup:
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- Classic Vanilla Coke: Add 2–3 teaspoons to a glass of Coke over ice. Stir. Sip. Be transported.
- Coffeehouse at Home: Stir 1 tablespoon into your iced coffee or cold brew. Bonus points for topping with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
- Mocktails or Cocktails: Combine with lemon juice and sparkling water for a crisp mocktail—or go full vintage with bourbon or rum.
- Drizzle Over Desserts: Try it on pancakes, waffles, or even vanilla ice cream for subtle sophistication.
More Tips for Success
Serving Ideas
Here are a few ways we love using this old-fashioned vanilla simple syrup:
- Classic Vanilla Coke: Add 2–3 teaspoons to a glass of Coke over ice. Stir. Sip. Be transported.
- Coffeehouse at Home: Stir 1 tablespoon into your iced coffee or cold brew. Bonus points for topping with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
- Mocktails or Cocktails: Combine with lemon juice and sparkling water for a crisp mocktail—or go full vintage with bourbon or rum.
- Drizzle Over Desserts: Try it on pancakes, waffles, or even vanilla ice cream for subtle sophistication.
What’s your favorite retro drink: Vanilla Coke, Root Beer Floats, or Egg Creams? Tell me in the comments!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this syrup without white sugar?
Yes! Try honey or coconut sugar for different notes.
Q: What’s the shelf life?
Up to 2 months refrigerated if heated; 1 month if cold-pressed.
Q: Can I use this in cocktails?
Absolutely. It pairs beautifully with bourbon, rum, or even sparkling wine.
Q: Can I freeze simple syrup to extend shelf life? A: Technically yes, but it’s so quick to make that refrigeration is easier and doesn’t risk crystallizing the sugar.
Q: Does it matter what kind of vanilla I use? A: Pure extract is best, but vanilla bean paste or even a split vanilla pod will add more fragrance and flavor.
Q: Is this syrup gluten-free and vegan? A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, provided you use sugar that hasn’t been processed with bone char (organic sugar is a safe bet).
Did you make this syrup? Share your twist in the comments or tag me on Pinterest at @jonbonjovious—I’d love to feature it!
Old Fashioned Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe
Discover the secret to adding a touch of old-fashioned sweetness to your drinks with our easy vanilla simple syrup recipe. Perfect for sodas, cocktails, and more, this homemade syrup will elevate your beverage game. Learn how to make and store this versatile syrup in just a few simple steps!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1-1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Notes
Once done, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This syrup can last up to two months when made using this heating method. If you opt for a cold press method (combining ingredients in a jar and shaking vigorously until the sugar dissolves), the shelf life is around one month.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
72Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 22Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 0g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.