September 13, 2023
by Maggie Frank
So you bought delicious
coffee to brew with your new
coffee maker in the comfort of your home. But, do you still go out to buy coffee? Why is that? I think it’s because coffee shops offer fun flavors and additions that are hard to recreate at home! Or are they?
The truth is- flavored coffee syrups and foams are so easy to make and will take your experience to the next level.
Simple Syrups
Coffee syrup is just simple syrup. It’s made by melt melting sugar into water until it's thick. The recipe for simple syrup will then make a great base for you to start experimenting with new and seasonal flavors.
You can use anything from spices to fresh berries to flavor your syrups. All you really have to do is bring water to a boil with an equal amount of sugar in it. While you let it reduce you can add your flavoring right in there and steep it like tea. Then strain if necessary.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Directions
Mix water, sugar, and flavoring in a small pot.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Let reduce for about 5 minutes. Leave it longer if you’d like a thicker syrup. Just keep in mind that the syrup will thicken a bit as it cools.
Strain if necessary.
Flavored Variations
Vanilla
Cut and scrape a
whole vanilla bean into the pot with the sugar and water. Strain after boiling
Caramel
To make caramel syrup, you of course need to make caramel first. To make caramel you will want to cook the sugar with only ⅓ cup of water. Let the sugar cook over medium heat until it reaches a golden amber color. It will take a while to cook but then once it starts to turn it will change all at once. So keep an eye on it. Once it's golden, remove it from the heat. Then add the rest of the water while stirring. Be careful while stirring because the mixture will bubble. You can reduce the amount of bubbling if you heat the water first before you add it in.
Mocha
Mix ½ cup of
cacao powder into your sugar. Mix until any lumps are broken up. Then instead of water, boil coffee instead. Let thicken. Add a little vanilla too if you have it
Dried spices
Start with ½ tablespoon of your desired spice and add to the simmering syrup. Adjust to taste.
cinnamon syrup is a must-try!
Chai
Use 2 or more tablespoons of
chai to steep into your syrup. Strain after boiling.
Lavender
This flavor is quickly gaining popularity. Boil two or more tablespoons of
dried lavender flowers in your syrup. Strain after boiling.
Fresh herbs
Try using a bunch of fresh peppermint to make a seasonal favorite. Try Mixing it with some mocha syrup as well. Steep the fresh mint leaves in the syrup and strain them before allowing them to cool.
Fruit
Boil ½ cup of fresh or frozen fruit into the syrup, to flavor, and strain before it cools. Try with raspberries. It sounds a little silly to put raspberry syrup in coffee, but it is really good. I think you need to try it!
Storage
Store in an air-tight jar or any container with a secure lid. Syrups made with spices will be good for about a month. Keep syrups made with fresh ingredients for just two weeks.
Cold Foam
A new favorite showing up at every coffee shop is cold foam. The best way to describe it is to say it’s similar to a softly whipped cream that floats at the top of your coffee. Its adds sweetness and textural interest. It’s perfect for the person who likes to drink cold coffee without adding dairy or syrups but wants to add something to change it up. A pain-sweet foam is a base, but of course, this is another recipe that is begging for customization. A little cinnamon goes a long way here.
Cold Foam Recipe
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon simple syrup or sugar
Flavoring of choice
Directions
In the bottom of a slim glass mix all ingredients with a milk frother.
Let stir until thick, but not long enough for it to form peaks.
Pour over the top of a prepared cold coffee drink.
Sip instead of using a straw to really enjoy the texture.
