An easy, flavored simple syrup that’s the perfect addition to your lattes, mochas and hot chocolate during the holiday season. There’s nothing like the flavors of peppermint and fresh vanilla to get you in a celebratory mood!
I am quite the fan of this version of minty goodness and yes, I have been known to order a peppermint latte at Starbucks even in the middle of spring. Don’t judge. There is just something so refreshing and cozy about it. Need a cup of comfort? Peppermint tea coming right up.
But since we are at the height of the holidays right now (oh hey Christmas in less than a week!), and I’m not sure all of you readers are quite as peppermint-crazed as I am to enjoy it throughout the entire year, I figure now is a completely appropriate time to share this recipe for Easy Peppermint Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup, right? Right.
I came up with this idea because, even though I love the flavored syrups all that all of our favorite coffee chains use to flavor their warm drinks, I always have to ask for like HALF of a pump in my orders. They are just too, too sweet and I’m sure they are probably full of so many artificial ingredients that my body us like “WTH?” whenever I down one.
That, and the fact that nowadays I honestly don’t get out to Starbucks or Peet’s that much. I put a big pot of coffee on as soon as I wake up in the morning and the next thing you know I’m off to work with my little Contigo travel mug (love them, BTW) and by the time I’m headed home it is way too late to consume any caffeinated beverages and all I really want to do is go put on my stretchy pants and make dinner.
So, because of my completely unexciting daily routine, I decided I wanted to have my own version of peppermint syrup to add to my standard coffee in the mornings and really make it feel like some of my favorite holiday beverages, hence my Peppermint Vanilla Bean Coffee Syrup was born. The one best thing about this is that I completely control the ingredients, so I know exactly what I’m putting in my body. The other best thing is that I can also control how much I add to my coffee. Some days I may feel like a little extra sweetness, but most of the time it’s just the touch of peppermint that I really enjoy.
And making this is way easier than you might think: mix up a batch of simple syrup and start heating it on the stove; once it starts to bubble just a tiny bit, add the vanilla bean, peppermint extract and candy canes (for that pretty red color!) Let it simmer for a bit for everything to meld together, and there you have it!
I must also say that the delicious Peppermint Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup is good for so much more than coffee. You can add it to hot chocolate too, and maybe even use it in a holiday cocktail of some sort? It’s very versatile and a great addition to anything that you want to add a little holiday flavor to.
I’m keeping it short today because this is such a special time of year and I really want to focus on being “present” with family and friends, but I hope you all have a wonderful last few days leading up to Christmas and I’ll check in one more time before the big day to share an ultra-special cocktail recipe with you! Hugs.
Easy Peppermint Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- Seeds of 1/2 a vanilla bean
- 2 mini candy canes or 1 large candy cane
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and continue to let simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is homogenous and reduced by half.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Hold a fine mesh sieve over a large glass measuring cup and strain liquid through the sieve.
- Once syrup is cool enough to handle, pour from the glass measuring cup into a sealable glass bottle using a small funnel. This syrup can be kept at room temperature for up to three weeks.
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