French vanilla syrup is a popular coffee additive that can enhance the flavor of a regular cup of coffee. The sweet vanilla aroma and taste complement the bitterness of coffee quite well. French vanilla syrup contains vanilla extract, sugar, water, natural flavors, salt, and potassium sorbate as a preservative. The syrup has a pronounced vanilla flavor due to the vanilla beans used during production.
Adding french vanilla syrup to coffee is an easy way to create a sweet, flavored coffee drink similar to a cafe vanilla latte. The syrup can be added to hot or iced coffee for a touch of sweetness and extra vanilla flavor. But is french vanilla syrup actually good in coffee? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Using French Vanilla Syrup in Coffee
There are several potential benefits to adding french vanilla syrup to coffee:
Enhances the Flavor
The rich vanilla flavor of the syrup complements the natural taste of coffee quite well. The sweet vanilla aroma and taste help mellow out the bitterness of black coffee. Just a small amount of syrup can transform a regular cup of joe into a more complex and sweeter coffee experience.
Customizable Sweetness and Flavor
You can control the amount of syrup you add to customize the sweetness and vanilla flavor to your liking. Add just a splash for a hint of vanilla or a few tablespoons for a bolder flavor. The versatility of the syrup makes it easy to craft your perfect cup of vanilla coffee.
No Sugar Crystals
French vanilla syrup dissolves evenly into the coffee for a smooth consistency. Unlike sugar, the syrup won’t leave behind undissolved granules at the bottom of your cup. The syrup integrates seamlessly into hot and iced coffee.
Convenience
French vanilla syrup offers an easy way to quickly add flavor to coffee, whether at home or on the go. It eliminates the need to measure out sugar and vanilla extract separately. Just pour in some syrup, stir, and your coffee is ready to enjoy. The bottle format is compact and portable as well.
Cons of Using French Vanilla Syrup in Coffee
However, there are some potential downsides to consider when adding french vanilla syrup to coffee:
High in Sugar and Calories
The main ingredient in french vanilla syrup is sugar, which bumps up the calorie and carbohydrate content. Just 1 tablespoon of syrup can contain 15 grams or more of sugar. For people monitoring their sugar intake, this can be a significant drawback. The calories from sugar also add up quickly.
May Overpower Delicate Coffee Flavors
The pronounced vanilla flavor and sweetness of the syrup could potentially overpower the subtle tasting notes of gourmet or specialty coffee beans. You’ll miss out on the different layers of chocolate, fruit, nuts, etc. that make high-end coffee distinctive. The complexity of certain coffee types may get lost with the addition of syrup.
Not Appreciated by Coffee Purists
Coffee aficionados and purists argue that adding syrup, cream, or anything to coffee compromises its integrity. They believe black coffee should be enjoyed for its simple, unadulterated flavors. French vanilla syrup is seen as distorting the coffee’s natural state.
Texture Changes
Depending on the amount used, french vanilla syrup can slightly alter the mouthfeel and texture of the coffee. The viscosity of the syrup makes the coffee thicker and more syrupy than normal at higher doses. This may be undesirable for coffee drinkers who enjoy a certain texture.
How to Add French Vanilla Syrup to Coffee
If you want to enjoy coffee with french vanilla syrup, follow these tips for the best results:
– Start with 1 teaspoon of syrup per 8 oz coffee and adjust to taste. This provides flavor without overpowering the coffee.
– Add the syrup after brewing when the coffee is hot to allow proper mixing and dissolution.
– Stir the coffee and syrup together well before drinking to fully incorporate the flavor.
– Use a light hand when adding syrup to highlight delicate coffee flavors.
– For iced coffee, you may want to use extra syrup since the ice dilutes the sweetness.
– Opt for syrups with natural flavors and less added sugars when possible.
– Frothing milk and adding on top can balance out the sweetness.
Coffee and French Vanilla Syrup Ratio
The proper coffee to french vanilla syrup ratio depends on your personal taste preferences. However, here are some standard guidelines for getting the right balance of coffee flavor and sweetness:
For 8 oz coffee
– 1 teaspoon syrup – light sweetness
– 1.5 teaspoons syrup – moderate sweetness
– 2 teaspoons syrup – bold sweetness
For 12 oz coffee
– 1.5 teaspoons syrup – light sweetness
– 2 teaspoons syrup – moderate sweetness
– 3 teaspoons syrup – bold sweetness
For 16 oz coffee
– 2 teaspoons syrup – light sweetness
– 1 tablespoon syrup – moderate sweetness
– 4 teaspoons syrup – bold sweetness
Adjust the amount of syrup up or down based on your desired level of sweetness. You can also vary the ratios for iced coffee since icy drinks tend to require more syrup. Always taste test your coffee after adding syrup and tweak as needed.
Best Coffees to Use with French Vanilla Syrup
Certain coffee styles and roasts pair particularly well with rich french vanilla syrup:
Medium Roast Coffee
The balanced, smooth flavor of medium roasts allow the vanilla notes to shine through. The light acidity highlights the syrup flavored while maintaining enough coffee presence.
Colombian Coffee
Colombian beans produce a mild, well-balanced coffee that pairs nicely with sweet vanilla undertones. The smooth mouthfeel matches the syrup’s texture.
Brazilian Coffee
Brazilian coffee’s chocolate and nutty flavor notes mesh perfectly with the vanilla aroma. The creaminess and low acidity complement the added sweetness.
Honduran Coffee
The subtle fruitiness of Honduran coffee stands up to the vanilla without getting overpowered. It makes for a nuanced syrupy coffee.
Guatemalan Coffee
Guatemalan coffee’s mild, delicate body helps the vanilla undertones come through. The finish is lively but smooth.
The bolder and more intense the coffee is, the more the flavors will clash with the sweet vanilla. Mild, smooth coffees allow the syrup to shine. However, you can experiment with different roasts and origins.
French Vanilla Syrup vs. Flavored Creamers
French vanilla syrup differs from french vanilla coffee creamers:
Consistency
Syrup has a thinner, more liquid consistency compared to the thick, creamy texture of coffee creamers. Creamers contain more fat, milk proteins, and thickeners.
Flavor Intensity
The vanilla flavor tends to be more pronounced in syrups versus creamers. Creamers have a milder vanilla taste.
Added Sugar
Syrups contain more added sugar. Creamers get some sweetness from the lactose in the dairy ingredients.
Calories
French vanilla syrup is higher in calories and carbohydrates ounce-for-ounce due to the higher sugar content. Creamers have more fat and calories from dairy.
Mixability
Syrups dissolve and blend with coffee seamlessly. Creamers can sometimes separate or curdle in very hot coffee.
Use in Coffee Drinks
Baristas often use vanilla syrup in specialty caffeinated beverages. Creamers are more commonly added at home or to the office coffee pot.
So in summary, syrups offer more sweetness, flavor intensity, mixability, and use in coffeehouses, while creamers provide richness, creaminess, and milder flavor.
How to Make Homemade French Vanilla Syrup
You can easily whip up homemade french vanilla syrup with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients
– 2 cups white granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Once dissolved, increase heat and bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the vanilla bean halves to the pan, submerging them in the syrup. Allow to sit for at least 2 hours to infuse the flavors.
5. Remove the vanilla bean halves. You can rinse and reserve them for another use.
6. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate. The syrup will keep for 1-2 months refrigerated.
Tips
– Use high quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
– Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the syrup before infusing.
– Optionally, you can add food coloring for a darker color.
– For thicker syrup, bring the sugar mixture to a boil for 4-5 minutes.
– For sugar-free syrup, replace the sugar with your preferred no-calorie sweetener.
Popular French Vanilla Syrup Brands
Some of the top brands for high quality french vanilla coffee syrup include:
Torani
Made with pure cane sugar and natural flavors. They offer traditional, sugar-free, and naturally flavored varieties.
Monin
Monin uses premium vanilla beans and has both original and sugar-free syrups.
DaVinci
The DaVinci French Vanilla Syrup contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Starbucks
Starbucks makes a Signature French Vanilla Flavored Syrup for coffee drinks.
Gaia Herbs
Gaia Herbs offers an organic vanilla bean syrup sweetened with coconut sugar.
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen’s Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Syrup comes in a French Vanilla flavor.
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups brand has a sugar-free French vanilla option.
There are many great french vanilla syrup brands on the market to consider using in your morning coffee or when whipping up specialty drinks at home.
Tips for Using French Vanilla Syrup in Coffee Drinks
Here are some tips for incorporating french vanilla syrup into various hot and cold coffee drinks:
French Vanilla Iced Coffee
– Add 2-3 tablespoons of syrup for a 16 oz iced coffee
– Pour syrup into glass first before adding ice and coffee to evenly distribute flavor
– Top with cream or milk if desired
French Vanilla Latte
– Combine 2 shots espresso, 1-2 tablespoons syrup, and steamed milk
– Use syrup instead of vanilla extract for more flavor
– Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder
Frozen French Vanilla Coffee
– In a blender, combine strong chilled coffee, syrup to taste, ice, and milk or cream
– For thicker texture, use coffee ice cubes
– Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
French Vanilla Mocha
– Mix espresso, 1-2 tablespoons syrup, steamed milk, and chocolate sauce
– Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle
– For an iced mocha, add ingredients to a glass over ice
French Vanilla Frappe
– Blend together coffee, french vanilla syrup, milk, ice, and chocolate chips
– Top with caramel swirl and chocolate shavings
– For a creamier frappe, substitute with soft serve ice cream
Nutritional Information
The nutrition facts for french vanilla syrup depend on the brand and whether you choose regular versus sugar-free. Here is the approximate nutritional profile per 1 tablespoon (15ml) of syrup:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45-60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 15-25mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11-15g |
| Sugars | 11-15g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, the main nutritional consideration is the high sugar content. Be mindful of this if you are monitoring your sugar intake.
Cost of French Vanilla Syrup
French vanilla syrup costs between $3 to $7 for a 16 ounce bottle depending on the brand. High end brands like Monin and Torani tend to cost more. Store brands are the most affordable options.
Here are some typical prices for 16 ounce bottles:
| Brand | Price |
|---|---|
| Torani | $6.99 |
| Monin | $6.99 |
| DaVinci | $4.99 |
| Starbucks | $5.99 |
| International Delight | $3.79 |
You can sometimes find sales on syrups for $1 to $2 off per bottle. Buying in bulk packs can also lower the per ounce cost. Given you only use about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of coffee, a bottle provides around 32-64 servings and lasts quite a while.
Where to Buy French Vanilla Syrup
There are several options for where to purchase french vanilla coffee syrup:
Grocery Stores
Check the coffee aisle or baking section of stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, etc. Larger chains have a decent syrup selection.
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale carry mass quantities of coffee syrups at discounted prices.
Coffee Shops
Many cafes and coffeehouses sell bottles of the flavored syrups they use in drinks.
Online
Shop specialty syrup brands through online retailers like Amazon. Smaller brands also sell through their own websites.
Specialty Stores
Find unique artisanal syrups at gourmet food shops, kitchen stores, and natural health stores.
Conclusion
French vanilla syrup can add sweetness and delicious flavor to coffee drinks at home or on the go. The smooth, fragrant vanilla taste pairs nicely with many coffee styles, especially medium roasts, Colombian, and Brazilian beans. A little syrup goes a long way to transform regular coffee into a special morning treat. However, the high sugar content is something to be aware of. Overall, french vanilla syrup is a tasty addition to coffee for those with a sweet tooth who want to enjoy a touch of indulgent flavor. Be sure to experiment with amounts and coffee brews to find your ideal cup of syrupy, vanilla-infused joe.
