To be honest, I drink hot drinks year round, but fall and winter is when they really shine. There is not much better on a rainy drizzly day than having a cup of hot coffee or tea in hand. Warming you up inside and out.
I started making my own vanilla syrup a couple years ago. I personally like it much better than the store bought stuff. And it's nice to know exactly what's in it too (maybe that's just me). Besides you probably already have all the ingredients you need to make it at home.
You can make the flavor as strong or subtle as you like. I personally like to use Trader Joe's Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract to make mine but feel free to pick your favorite.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Add the water and sugar to a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar is all dissolved and looks clear. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir for several more minutes to let the alcohol in the vanilla extract evaporate. Allow to cool slightly before using. Store in a clean container in the fridge.
That's it. Remember there is no preservatives, so it won't have the shelf life that store bought does. Mine usually lasts for a couple weeks when kept refrigerated.
P.S. It's super good in a London Fog!
