Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Recipe (Easy Copycat in 3 Ingredients)

Transform your morning coffee routine with this simple Starbucks vanilla syrup copycat recipe. When I discovered how easy it was to recreate this coffeehouse favorite at home, I never looked back. Using just three basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can make a rich, creamy homemade vanilla syrup recipe that rivals the original. This homemade version costs a fraction of the store-bought price and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors. Best of all, you can customize the sweetness and vanilla intensity to your perfect taste.

copycat Starbucks vanilla syrup and an iced vanilla coffee.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why This Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Is the One You Should Try

This vanilla syrup succeeds because it uses the perfect sugar-to-water ratio, which creates the ideal consistency for coffee drinks. The blender method incorporates air while dissolving sugar completely, resulting in a smoother texture than traditional stovetop methods. Adding vanilla extract at the end preserves its delicate flavor compounds, which can be damaged by heat. You will find that when you make your own vanilla syrup you will have a more intense vanilla flavor with homemade vanilla coffee syrup.

Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Recipe Ingredients

  • Pure Vanilla Extract – Delivers the signature vanilla flavor that makes this syrup special
  • White Granulated Sugar – Creates the sweet base and provides the syrup’s body and consistency
  • Water – Dissolves the sugar and creates the liquid foundation for the syrup
Starbucks vanilla syrup ingredients.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients in the simple syrup recipe. You can use regular granulated white sugar or organic cane sugar. The organic has the natural flavors of sugarcane and is much less processed.

How To Make Vanilla Syrup for Coffee 

To make vanilla coffee syrup at home:

  1. Add the sugar to the blend and pour room-temperature water over the top.
  2. Turn the blender on LOW and increase it to HIGH. Blend for 6 to 7 minutes. Use a blender that can handle such a long blending time. You may prefer to blend for two minutes, wait 30 seconds and repeat two more times. 
sugar and water in a blender.
  1. Add the vanilla extract to the blend and PULSE a few times. 
homemade Starbucks vanilla syrup in a blender.
  1. Transfer the syrup to a very clean container with a lid. Put directly into the fridge.
copycat Starbucks vanilla syrup in a small pitcher and an iced coffee drink.

Alternative Method of Making Starbucks Vanilla Syrup

You can always try the stovetop method if you don’t want to use a blender to make vanilla syrup for coffee. This hot method of making simple syrup is more common, though some folks feel that the blender method makes syrup with better consistency. It’s your choice. 

To make homemade vanilla syrup on the stove:

  1. Stir together the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat the saucepan over medium-high until the water starts to simmer. 
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. 
  5. Let it cool to room temperature and store in a mason jar in the refrigerator and enjoy that rich flavor for a long time.. 

How To Store Starbucks Vanilla Syrup 

You can keep the vanilla coffee syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. Flavored syrups don’t last as long as unflavored simple syrups, so inspect the syrup thoroughly before using. Homemade vanilla syrup is not shelf-stable.

What Types of Bottles Can You Use To Store Homemade Vanilla Syrup 

The best container for keeping the syrup is glass since it can be sterilized. It is always nice to have a container with a mouth wide enough to scrub the inside easily.

Mason jars are one of the best options. Always use a clean spoon and never pour from the jar because it can leave the homemade syrup on the rim and make the lid hard to open. 

Starbucks Vanilla Syrup FAQ 

Is Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Sweet? 

Yes, it is delightful. It has twice as much sugar as regular simple syrup. Don’t add too much to your coffee.

Does Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Have Dairy? 

No, it does not. This syrup is entirely vegan-friendly. 

Is Starbucks Vanilla Syrup the Same as Other Brands Like Torani or Monin?

Torani and Monin offer several versions of their vanilla syrups. Starbucks Vanilla Syrup is similar but not the same as the standard versions of these other natural sugar products. 

How many tablespoons are in a pump of syrup at Starbucks?

There is approximately 1 tbsp syrup per pump.

What’s the Difference Between Vanilla Syrup and Vanilla Extract

Vanilla syrup is a simple syrup flavored with vanilla extract. It is sweet and has a less intense vanilla flavor than the extract. You can make vanilla extract by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol and water solution. 

Other Uses for Vanilla Syrup 

You can use vanilla syrup in so many ways. I know, you will use it in your favorite coffee shop drinks, but you can use this in other drinks. You could also brush on cakes or cupcakes before you frost them. This will add an extra dimension of flavor. Here are some other ideas of ways you can use it. 

  • Use as a sweetener in Hot chocolate will give you an extra flavor boost.
  • Pour a teaspoon or two of it into a milkshake.
  • Use in cold drinks like iced lattes, iced coffee, or other cold coffee drinks
  • Enjoy this in iced tea for a nice change.
  • Pour a teaspoon or two into your next smoothie!

How To Make Vanilla Iced Coffee 

Vanilla syrup can transform ordinary iced coffee into something decadent. Starbucks vanilla iced coffee is one of the favorite coffee beverages for summer. Making iced vanilla coffee is easy:

  1. Place a tablespoon of Starbucks vanilla syrup in a glass.
  2. Add ice.
  3. Add cold coffee (cold brew coffee is a great option).
  4. Add cream, half-and-half, or milk if you want.
collage of steps to make a Starbucks vanilla iced coffee with cream.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store in sterilized glass containers for up to 3 weeks. Check for cloudiness or off-odors before use.
  • Usage Method: Always use clean utensils when dispensing syrup to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.
  • Temperature: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Popular Starbucks Drink Recipes

More DIY Coffee Flavoring and Syrup Recipes

Check out my easy DIY recipes and the best copycat Starbucks recipes here on CopyKat!

copycat Starbucks vanilla syrup and an iced vanilla coffee.

Starbucks Vanilla Syrup Recipe – Easy 3-Ingredients

Make Starbucks vanilla syrup at home with just 3 ingredients! This copycat recipe costs less and tastes better than store-bought versions.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Starbucks Recipes, Vanilla Syrup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 32
Calories: 49kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place the sugar and water into a blender.
  • Blend for 7 minutes.
  • Add the vanilla extract, and blend for about 15 seconds.
  • Store the syrup in a jar.

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Comments

5 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS