Sure, a cup of black coffee from a Mr. Coffee machine will get the job done, but coffee syrups straight-up add romance to life-and I am all about that. (Picture a tall French vanilla rose latte brimming with edible rose petals, and you'll start to get my drift.) I'm all about enjoying the little things, so having a few delightful coffee syrups on my home coffee cart is a must for mornings when a plain cup of coffee just won't cut it.
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While, yes, I love to frequent my local café, I also enjoy making my own craft coffee drinks at home using my espresso maker, frother, and some coffee beans. It's fun, and I get to choose exactly what goes into my cup.
3 Coffee Syrups You Should Have in Your Coffee Cart at All Times
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When it comes to sweeteners, flavoring syrups are my go-to way to add a little intrigue to my drinks. Unlike pure cane sugar, which ends up half-dissolved at the bottom of the cup, coffee syrups blend effortlessly into whatever I'm drinking (and come in sugar-free varieties). Bonus: They're shelf-stable.
I always keep simple syrup (an equal mixture of water and sugar), vanilla syrup, and Ghirardelli chocolate syrup-a tiny bit of a splurge, but so worth it-on hand. These three coffee syrups make it easy to make one-off recipes, depending on what I've got in the fridge or garden.
What are the Most Popular Syrups for Coffee?
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I tend to most frequently see Monin, Torani, DaVinci, and Jordan's Skinny Syrups available at grocery stores. Of those, you can typically only find the best-sellers-hazelnut syrup, caramel syrup, vanilla syrup, chocolate syrup, and peppermint syrup-in non-prime iced coffee season. (Ahem: winter.)
Where else to buy? I suggest Amazon, brand websites, and stores such as T.J. Maxx and World Market (where you'll often find surprises!)
10 Coffee Syrup Combos That Rule
Irish Cream Syrup
Featuring real cocoa powder, a silky sugary note, and a pretty hue, this will conjure Bailey's even if it's the middle of summer. This (booze-free) Irish cream syrup shimmers when added to coffee, cold brew, or espresso. (Is it St. Patty's Day? Just top with mint!)
Blueberry Syrup + Cheesecake Syrup
Blueberry cheesecake... iced coffee?! Yes, indeed, it works, especially if you're more of a latte person than a diehard coffee lover. A combo of blueberry and cheesecake syrups is delicious hot or iced.
Raspberry Syrup
Yes, you can! In fact, go farther: Pair raspberry syrup with dark chocolate or white chocolate syrups for a raspberry mocha vibe, or add a splash of peanut butter syrup for a caffeinated take on the PB&J!
Lavender Syrup
Usually more of a tea drinker but branching out into the iced coffee realm? Good for you. Stick to the flavors you know and love; floral lavender syrup goes well with honey and is gorgeous with iced coffee.
Pistachio Syrup
There's a reason Starbucks keeps bringing their Pistachio Latte back. Make a copycat at home with pistachio syrup and milk-and put the money you save towards buying your own café someday, you barista, you!
Rose Syrup
Conjure Indian flavors in your morning iced coffee with rose syrup and cardamom-a classic flavor combination in Iran, as well. I like to make an iced latte, swirl it with rose and vanilla syrups, and sprinkle powdered cardamom on top.
Cinnamon Bun Syrup
Cinnamon and coffee are a popular combination in Mexico, and adding Cinnamon Bun Syrup to your coffee is simply fantastic. A touch of brown sugar and salted caramel sauce really bring out the flavor of this syrup.
Toffee Nut Syrup
Real macadamia nuts flavor this tropical toffee nut syrup. I like to add coconut syrup to further the "islands" vibe, and sprinkle on a bit of sea salt at the end as a foil for the sweetness.
Huckleberry Syrup
Picture yourself in the Rocky Mountains-where huckleberries thrive-while sipping an iced coffee spiked with this syrup. (A splash will do you!)
Orange Syrup
Aside from the famous Wallace Stevens poem, coffee and oranges is a pair you'd never expect-but it works so well. Add orange syrup to iced coffee and you may never go back to plain again.
