Homemade Vanilla Syrup & Caramel Macchiato

Brrr!  How’s the weather where you are?

It is frigid where I am plus, I got a Nespresso for Christmas, so it’s the perfect time to settle in with a cup of coffee and a great book.

And by cup of coffee, I mean it’s time to start making fancy coffees at home!!!  Hooray!

I decided to start with my coffee shop favorite – a caramel macchiato!  To make that, I needed vanilla syrup.  And because of coldness, that was definitely not happening, so I made my own and then made my macchiato!

The vanilla syrup is perfect!  It packs a vanilla punch with an amazing depth of flavor because of the brown sugar.

Plus – it was the perfect addition to my macchiato!  I must admit – I have made a lot of these yummy coffees since Christmas!

Want more drinks to warm you up?

• Homemade Vanilla Syrup and Caramel Macchiato by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Dark Chocolate Orange Hot Cocoa by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Hot Chocolate Eggnog by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Hot Malted Cocoa by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Original Irish Coffee by Family Around the Table
• Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate by Palatable Pastime
• Red Velvet Hot Cocoa by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Spiced Caramel Apple Cider by Sweet Beginnings
• Wassail and the Tradition of Toasting by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Homemade Vanilla Syrup

Adapted from Genius Kitchen

1 cup water

2/3 cup white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Simmer, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved.

Cool and store in an airtight container.

Caramel Macchiato

2/3 cup cashew milk (or milk of choice)

2 ounces espresso

1-2 tablespoons vanilla syrup

1 tablespoon salted caramel sauce

Heat the milk (froth if desired).  Stir the vanilla syrup and half the caramel sauce into the hot milk.  Pour into a coffee mug.

Carefully add the espresso to the center of the coffee.  Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and enjoy.