Vanilla syrup is an ingredient we’re always looking for as we sift through the piles of recipes in our test list. It’s a crime how underused it is – just a spoonful added to a drink brings out the most wonderful flavor and aroma.
You can buy premade vanilla syrup, but it’s simple to make your own. Heat up equal parts sugar and water, and scrape the contents of one or two vanilla bean pods into the mix. Bring it up to medium-high heat, and stir it occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool, strain the vanilla seeds out, put it in a jar, and keep it in the fridge for a week or two.