It’s no secret—I like to make my own syrups. It was one of my favorite things to do when we owned our coffee shop. The thing is, most syrups are really quite simple to make (hey, they don’t call them “simple syrups” for no reason). And, when you go through the extra effort, they take your drink game to the next level.

One of the easiest ones to make is a vanilla simple syrup. And yet it is so dang tasty. I won’t waste any more of your time.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Purified water, sugar of your choice (I used organic raw sugar in this; but, for a darker, richer flavor use brown sugar), vanilla extract, large saucepan, a bottle or mason jar to put the finished syrup in.

Recipe:

4 cups sugar (raw or brown)

3 cups purified water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Place a large saucepan on your stovetop. Add sugar, water, and extract to the saucepan. Turn on heat (medium setting) and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until sugar dissolves. Wait until lukewarm to transfer the syrup into the bottle or jar.

Enjoy!

—Casey