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Vanilla Simple Syrup is great to have ready in the refrigerator to add a splash of vanilla sweetness to your cocktails. Matching up particularly well with rum, whiskey and vodka drinks, you can create vanilla spins on all your favorite classic cocktails. As an added bonus it is also delicious drizzled over pancakes! Using organic cane sugar from Florida, this Vanilla Simple Syrup recipe supports local!
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED FOR MAKING VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP?
This easy simple syrup requires just 3 ingredients- sugar, vanilla extract and water. The quality of the sugar that you use is really important, and as luck would have it, Florida is home to one of the best organic sugar cane producers in the world, Florida Crystals.
The Sugar: Sugarcane grows best in tropical climates, requiring extended seasons of hot weather and plenty of rainfall. That weather sound familiar to you? With plentiful sunshine and rainstorms galore, it is no surprise that Florida accounts for over half of the country’s sugarcane. Florida is also home to the only organic raw cane sugar producer in the country, Florida Crystals.
Why Organic Is Best: Organic sugar cane produced by Florida Crystals is Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, kosher, minimally processed and unlike other sugarcane producers doesn’t use harmful pesticides and herbicides. While this doesn’t make it a super-food “per se”, it does mean it retains more of its nutrients, and contains less of the nasty stuff, than standard white sugar.
Not only is it the smarter choice for your body, but it is also the smarter choice for the planet. Florida Crystals boasts some of the most eco-friendly farms in the nation leveraging technology, natural pest control (barn owls) and crop rotation to ensure that the sugar they produce is sustainable and has minimal impact on the environment
Recommended Sugar: If you plan on making simple syrup regularly, or are a keen baker then the 3 pack of the 3 Pound jug is the best value:
But if your pantry is short on space then they do a more manageable 2 Pound pack:
The Vanilla: For this ingredient, unfortunately you won’t be able to shop local. The majority of vanilla is grown in Madagascar, Mexico and Tahiti. Florida grown vanilla may be on the horizon however, as scientists from the University of Florida have been testing varieties that could successfully grow in South Florida. This is still a way off though, so for now we will have to make do with what we can get at the store.
Be sure to opt for “pure vanilla extract” which is made only from natural vanilla beans, water and alcohol. Any vanilla extract that doesn’t contain the word “pure” is a cheaper imitation that is artificially derived. Due to the scarcity of vanilla, and the fluctuation in crop yields, vanilla is expensive. That said, a bottle of quality pure vanilla extract will last you a long time. A little goes a long way. We use Nielsen-Massey, but Rodelle is another good option.
Recommended Vanilla Extract: Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract, 4 oz
The Water: If you are using water in cocktails, simple syrups or just drinking it throughout the day, use filtered water. Water straight from the tap contains tiny amounts of chlorine and heavy metals, which you want to get rid of before you use it. If you don’t already own one, then we’d recommend getting yourself a Brita pitcher, they are great.
Recommended Pitcher: BRITA Everyday Water Pitcher (10 cup)
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP?
Storage: Store your Vanilla Simple Syrup in an airtight container for up to a month. If you make cocktails regularly, it is worth getting yourself some storage bottles specifically for your simple syrups. Anything made for pouring liquid will do the job, so things like olive oil dispensers work great. We’ve received plenty of compliments on our cork topped jug, and everyone is always surprised when we tell them it was only around $10 from Amazon!
Recommended Storage Bottle: BORMIOLI ROCCO Cork Topped Oil Bottle, (8 oz)
Funnel: For helping transfer your simple syrup to a bottle get a funnel. It will save you making a mess of your kitchen counters. There are plenty of affordable options on amazon that are collapsible to save on space in your kitchen cupboards.
Recommended Funnel: RIENAR Silicone Collapsible Funnel (2 Pack)
We hope you enjoy the Vanilla Simple Syrup recipe below. Cheers!
This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when purchases of recommended products are made. This is at no additional cost to you, every penny goes into buying and trying more tasty Floridian treats.
Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Cane Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon of Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure sugar is fully dissolved
- Step 2: Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat and leave to cool for 20 mins
- Step 3: Add the vanilla extract stirring until well mixed
- Step 4: Pour simple syrup into an airtight container
Notes
Tips
Storage: Simple syrup can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
OTHER HOMEMADE SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPES TO TRY:
Organic Cane Sugar Simple Syrup
Orange Blossom Honey Simple Syrup
