When class is back in session, I always find myself reaching for a fun latte. It makes mornings so much easier to look forward to and provides me with a burst of energy to get through my early morning classes.
While it may sound intimidating, making your own latte syrup is remarkably easy — and will save you plenty of time and money. Whether your latte of preference is coffee- or matcha-based, each of these syrups will add a wonderful fold of flavor into your daily ritual.
Part of the fun is being able to adjust the flavor of each syrup to your own preference. All of these syrups begin with the same humble ingredients — water and sugar. Not to mention, while you’ll save some time in the mornings, these also work great as small gifts or favors.
Once a batch is made, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Brown Sugar Syrup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yields: Approx. 12 tablespoons
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon
*Note: If you prefer a thicker, sweeter syrup, you can use more sugar.
Instructions:
- Add room-temperature water to a small saucepan. Turn to medium heat and bring to a low boil.
- Add brown sugar, salt and cinnamon if using. Stir consistently until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water, about 3-5 minutes.
- Continue to simmer for 3 minutes. Then, turn off the stove and let the mixture cool for a few minutes before stirring in vanilla.
- Cool completely before storing in a jar.
- Enjoy by putting 1-2 tablespoons at the bottom of a matcha or coffee latte.
Earl Grey Syrup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yields: Approx. 12 tablespoons
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 5 Earl Grey teabags
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions:
- Add room-temperature water to a small saucepan. Turn to medium heat and bring to a low boil until the water is hot.
- Add sugar. Heat until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water.
- Tie all 5 teabags together by the strings and place in the sugar water mixture.
- Let boil for 3 minutes, then remove the bags, squeezing out any extra tea with a large spoon. Add vanilla and salt.
- Cool, pour into a jar and enjoy.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons at the bottom of a matcha latte, or 2 tablespoons in a glass of milk.
Mocha Syrup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yields: Approx. 12 tablespoons
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Add room-temperature water to a small saucepan. Turn to medium heat and bring to a low boil until the water is simmering.
- Add sugar and cacao powder. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water, and no chunks of cacao remain.
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Be careful to not let it boil over.
- When cooled, pour into a container and enjoy.
- Stir 1-2 tablespoons into a latte or milk.
With the new school year in full swing, these recipes add a little pep in my step on days where I find class to be more of an obligation than a blessing. Between early-morning classes, back-to-back extracurriculars and jam-packed schedules, there’s something comforting about making something that is both delicious and energizing. I hope they can do the same for you!
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