How to Make Vanilla Syrup at Home | Dadora Vanilla

Real vanilla is never plain. Yet, the word “vanilla” is often misused to mean boring or ordinary. If you’ve ever split open a plump real vanilla bean, you know how untrue that is. The floral aroma, tiny specks of “vanilla caviar,” and layers of fruit and spice flavor are anything but basic.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy this flavor at home is by making vanilla syrup from scratch. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or a baker, this syrup is a must-have in your kitchen.

What Is Vanilla Syrup?

Vanilla syrup is a flavored simple syrup made from sugar, water, and Tahitensis beans from Ecuador. It’s smooth, sweet, and aromatic, and it dissolves easily into hot or cold drinks. While store-bought versions often rely on extracts or artificial flavoring, homemade syrup with whole beans delivers the true, complex taste of vanilla.

Why Make Vanilla Syrup at Home?

• Flavor Quality – Whole beans infuse a richer, more nuanced flavor than extracts.

• Natural Ingredients – No preservatives or artificial flavoring.

• Customizable – Adjust sweetness, try brown sugar, or even add vanilla powder for a stronger hit.

• Cost-Effective Luxury – A couple of beans make enough syrup for dozens of drinks.

• Farm-to-Table Connection – Using Dadora beans supports sustainable farming and fair wages in Ecuador. Learn more in our farm-to-table story.

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Classic Vanilla Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups unbleached granulated sugar

• 2–3 Dadora Tahitensis Vanilla Beans

Instructions

1. Split each bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.

2. Combine sugar, water, beans, and seeds in a saucepan.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, cool, and transfer into a sterilized glass bottle.

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Pro Tip: For a stronger flavor, leave the pods in the syrup jar—they’ll keep infusing over time.

👉 No beans on hand? Order our Dadora Vanilla Beans here and start your first batch today.

Flavor Variations

• Brown Sugar Vanilla Syrup – Use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor (try pairing with our vanilla extract).

• Spiced Vanilla Syrup – Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom, or cloves.

• Citrus Vanilla Syrup – Add lemon or orange peel for a bright note.

• Vanilla Honey Syrup – Replace part of the sugar with honey for a floral touch.

Want it all? Grab a Dadora Vanilla Bundle and experiment with beans, powder, and extract.

How to Use Vanilla Syrup

Once you have a bottle of homemade vanilla syrup, the possibilities are endless:

• Coffee & Lattes – A classic vanilla latte at home (see our Coffee with Vanilla Powder post.)

• Iced Teas & Lemonades – Sweeten and add depth.

• Cocktails & Mocktails – Use in mojitos, martinis, or spritzes.

• Breakfast Dishes – Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.

• Desserts – Add to whipped cream, frosting, or fruit salads.

• Baking Shortcut – For deeper flavor, try our guide on How to Make Vanilla Extract at Home.

FAQ: Vanilla Syrup

1. How long does homemade vanilla syrup last?
Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about 2 weeks. Extend its shelf life by sterilizing your bottle and adding a splash of vodka as a natural preservative.

2. Can I use vanilla extract instead of beans?
Yes, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Whole beans provide both seeds and pod oils, which create a more layered taste. Try our Tahitian Vanilla Extract if you need a quick alternative.

3. Can I use vanilla powder instead?
Absolutely. Vanilla powder is a great option if you don’t have beans. It won’t fully dissolve, but it disperses into the syrup, leaving beautiful flecks and concentrated vanilla flavor. Start with ½ teaspoon per cup of syrup, then adjust to taste.

4. Does vanilla syrup go bad?
Yes. Over time it may crystallize or develop cloudiness. Always store refrigerated and discard if it smells off.

5. What sugar is best for vanilla syrup?
Granulated white sugar makes a clear syrup, while brown sugar or raw cane sugar adds depth. 

Cocktail Highlight: Vanilla Blueberry Basil Spritz

This refreshing cocktail is proof that homemade vanilla syrup isn’t just for coffee. The floral notes of basil, tartness of lemon, and sweetness of blueberries pair beautifully with the warm, rich flavor of vanilla.

Ingredients:

• 8 fresh blueberries

• 4–5 fresh basil leaves

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 ounces light rum (omit for mocktail)

• 2 tablespoons homemade vanilla syrup

• Soda water, to top

• Garnish: extra basil leaves & blueberries

Directions:

1. In a cocktail glass, muddle the blueberries, basil, and lemon juice until well crushed.

2. Add ice, rum, and vanilla syrup. Stir gently to combine.

3. Top with soda water for a refreshing fizz.

4. Garnish with a basil leaf and a few blueberries before serving.

✨ Tip: For a mocktail version, simply leave out the rum—the vanilla syrup adds plenty of depth on its own.

From Ecuador to Your Kitchen

Every jar of syrup made with Dadora beans tells the story of our farm. We began planting vanilla orchids in Esmeraldas, Ecuador in 2019, growing Tahitensis beans in greenhouses to improve working conditions and ensure consistent quality. After harvest, our beans are sun-cured in the highlands, a process that brings out their signature fruity, floral notes.

When you make vanilla syrup at home, you’re not just creating a sweetener—you’re connecting with an artisanal tradition and supporting a fair, sustainable vanilla supply chain.

✨ Shop our full collection of vanilla beans, vanilla powder, and vanilla extract to bring the taste of Ecuador to your recipes.