French Vanilla Iced Coffee
The ultimate summer refreshment, French Vanilla Iced Coffee combines the rich flavors of coffee with a sweet, homemade vanilla syrup. Perfect for hot days, this delightful beverage is easy to make and will satisfy your caffeine cravings. Treat yourself to this creamy drink that's perfect for any occasion!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Saucepan
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 vanilla bean split down the middle
- 1/2 tablespoon real vanilla extract
- 1/8 cup Homemade Vanilla Syrup see above
- 1/4 cup Lactaid Whole Milk
- 1 cup strongly brewed coffee chilled
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and the split vanilla bean. Stir these ingredients together until the sugars are dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it; you want to see those bubbles forming and breaking on the surface. This boiling action helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. You want this mixture to gently bubble, allowing the flavors to infuse. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll start to notice that the syrup thickens slightly, and the wonderful aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. It should be warm but not too hot to handle.
- Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of real vanilla extract. This adds an extra layer of vanilla flavor that permeates your syrup.
- Once cooled, store the syrup in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last up to 1 to 2 weeks, but I doubt it will stick around that long!
- When ready to serve, pour 1 cup of chilled strongly brewed coffee over a glass filled with 2 cups of ice.
- Add 1/8 cup of your homemade vanilla syrup to the coffee and stir well, allowing the sweetness to blend throughout the drink.
- Finally, splash in 1/4 cup of Lactaid whole milk for creaminess, stir again, and enjoy your refreshing French Vanilla Iced Coffee!
Notes
Storage: Keep your homemade vanilla syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Freezing: You can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for individual servings. Pairing: This iced coffee is perfect with pastries, cookies, or enjoyed on its own.