A little caramel for your coffee
There’s something lovely about turning an ordinary cup of coffee into a small treat. This homemade caramel syrup uses simple ingredients and is easy to keep in the fridge for your next latte, iced coffee or afternoon pick-me-up.
You can make it with just sugar and water, then add vanilla or a pinch of salt if you like. Stir a little into your coffee, taste, and add more until it’s sweet enough for you.
What you’ll need
White sugar
Water
Vanilla extract, if you like
A pinch of salt, if you like
The syrup begins with sugar and a little water cooked until it turns amber. Hot water is added afterwards to loosen the caramel into a pourable syrup.
A careful note about hot caramel
Caramel gets extremely hot, and adding water can make it bubble and splatter. Take the pan off the heat first. Add the hot water slowly, a little at a time, while stirring with a long-handled spoon. Keep your hands and face back from the pan, and keep children away while you make it.
How to use it
Start with 1 tablespoon in a cup of coffee for mild sweetness. Add another spoonful if you prefer it sweeter. It’s lovely stirred into a latte, poured into iced coffee, or mixed with espresso and milk for a homemade caramel latte.
You can also add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel version.
Storing your syrup
Let the syrup cool completely before pouring it into a clean bottle or jar. Keep it refrigerated and use it within 2 weeks. If it thickens, warm it gently before using. Discard it if its smell or appearance changes.
Make it your own
Try vanilla for a softer flavor, or add salt for a sweet-and-salty finish. Start with a small amount in your coffee you can always add more.
Your little challenge: Make a cup of coffee with one spoonful of caramel syrup, taste it, and decide whether you like it mild, medium or coffee-shop sweet.
Let’s chat
Do you usually drink hot coffee or iced coffee?
How sweet do you like your coffee?
Would you add vanilla or sea salt?
What’s your favourite coffee treat?
Who would you make a cup for?
