How to use coffee syrup to improve your homemade lattes

If you’re craving barista-quality coffee drinks at home, coffee syrup is your secret weapon. From classic vanilla lattes to refreshing iced caramel macchiatos, these syrups make it easy to enjoy café-style drinks without the complexity.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to use coffee syrup like a pro. You’ll learn how much syrup to use, how it works with iced and hot drinks, and which flavors to try. Say goodbye to those complicated 10-ingredient recipes and hello to simple, delicious coffee creations.

What is coffee syrup?

Coffee syrup is a concentrated, flavored sweetener designed to enhance coffee and espresso drinks. Popular flavors include vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and seasonal varieties like pumpkin spice. It’s an easy way to add flavor and sweetness in one step—perfect for both beginners and coffee aficionados.

How to use coffee syrup

Adding coffee syrup is simple. Follow these steps for great-tasting results every time:

1. Measure your syrup: Start with 2 tablespoons (1 ounce or 30ml) per serving for a balanced flavor.
2. Brew your coffee: Whether you’re using a drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine, prepare your coffee as usual.
3. Mix it in: Stir the syrup into your coffee until fully blended.
4. Add milk if desired: Froth or steam milk for a creamy latte or macchiato.

How much syrup to use per cup of coffee

Wondering how much coffee syrup is just right? Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Hot drinks: Use 2 tablespoons per 8-12 ounces of coffee.
• Iced drinks: Use 1.5 to 2 tablespoons for a 12-ounce cup. Adjust to taste if adding more ice or milk.

How many tablespoons in a pump of syrup

The syrup pump dispenses about 1/4 fluid ounce per pump or 1/2 Tbsp.

Recipe: Classic Vanilla Latte

Here’s a foolproof recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup

Instructions:

• Brew your coffee and add vanilla syrup. Stir to combine.
• Froth or heat milk until steaming. Whisk until frothy using a fork or whisk.
• Slowly pour the frothed milk into the coffee. Adjust sweetness if needed.

How to use syrup for iced coffee

Making iced coffee with syrup is a breeze:

• Brew your coffee and let it cool. You can also use cold brew for an extra-smooth flavor.
• Fill a glass with ice and pour in the coffee.
• Add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of syrup (or 3-4 pumps) and stir well.
• Optional: Top with milk or cream for a silky finish.

Looking for a step-by-step guide? Check out our detailed post on iced coffee with a Keurig, French press or regular drip machine.

Best flavored coffee syrups to try

Not sure where to start? Here are some crowd-pleasers:

• Vanilla: Perfect for lattes and macchiatos.
• Salted Caramel: Sweet and savory, great in iced coffee.
• Hazelnut: A nutty twist for hot and iced drinks.
• Irish Cream: A creamy, indulgent flavor.

Fun syrup facts

• Syrup pumps: Each pump dispenses about 1/2 tablespoon (1/4 ounce) of syrup. For a 2-tablespoon serving, you’ll need four pumps.
• Experiment with flavors: Try combinations like hazelnut and chocolate or salted caramel with vanilla for unique drinks.

Coffee syrup transforms ordinary coffee into something extraordinary. With just a few pumps, you can replicate your favorite café drinks at home without breaking a sweat. Experiment with flavors, get creative, and enjoy barista-worthy coffee every day!