Ever wondered exactly how your favourite coffee shop achieves the intricate flavours of a seasonal coconut, toffee nut or pumpkin spice latte? Aside from the ever-important sprinkling of cacao and cinnamon on top of that perfect microfoam, the answer lies in the sweet and concentrated world of syrups.
What are coffee syrups, and how are they used?
Coffee syrups, which are also used in cocktails and other beverages to imbue them with distinct flavours, are concentrated liquid sweeteners and flavouring agents. Generally, two tablespoons or one to two pumps of syrup is enough to achieve that perfect balance between not tasting the flavour at all and making your latte or cold brew overly sweet and artificial.
What are the most popular types of syrup used in lattes?
- Vanilla: The perfect way to add a hint of flavour and sweetness without popping a packet of granulated sugar into your brew. If you’re trying to get into matcha lattes but can’t quite get around the earthy taste, a pump of vanilla syrup is sure to make it more than palatable. Vanilla syrups are commonly available as sugar-free alternatives.
- Caramel: Though often associated with autumn and winter brews, caramel coffee syrups deliver a rich, subtly nutty and perfectly sweet addition to any cup of Joe.
- Toffee Nut: Made famous by Starbucks’ winter warmer, toffee nut lattes taste like the leaves changing. Traditionally, toffee nut syrup blends include notes of buttery caramel, roasted macadamia and hazelnuts. Fear not our allergic friends, for many toffee nut syrups don’t even contain traces of nuts – despite that distinctive taste.
- Pumpkin Spice: Contrary to popular belief, the humble PSL doesn’t actually contain any pumpkin flavours – it's named as such to draw attention to its marvellously autumnal nature. Most pumpkin spice syrups contain a warming, spicy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and sometimes clove.
Is coffee syrup better than sugar?
That depends on the type you opt for. There are, of course, sugar-free syrup options which contain sweeteners instead. However, these can sometimes still be more calorific overall. Always check the ingredients on the bottle to see if the recipe suits you and your dietary needs.
We’ve curated a selection of the best coffee syrups to help elevate your home brews.
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Monin Premium Pumpkin Spice Syrup 700ml
The syrup connoisseurs over at Monin have been in the liqueur game since 1912, so it’s fair to say it’s a brand that you can trust. Though Monin’s products were primarily intended for commercial use, at-home coffee and cocktail maestros have been scooping up their very own bottles of the esteemed syrups in troves.
The Pumpkin Spice blend is a fan-favourite, consisting of sweet pumpkin, spicy clove and cinnamon. Suitable for vegans and certifiably both kosher and halal, this syrup is as good as it gets. They also produce a dedicated Gingerbread Syrup, if you’re feeling extra spicy.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Monin Premium Syrups
In this brilliant Monin deal via Amazon, you can grab two of the brand’s premium syrups for the price of one. Choose from over 23 different flavours and you’ll have the perfect coffee machine companions in no time at all. Our personal favourites are the classic sugar-free Vanilla, Chai Tea, Caramel, Toffee Nut and Gingerbread.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Maison Routin 1883 Premium Almond Syrup
The brand of syrup that the high street coffee giants over at Blank Street use, Maison Routin 1883’s delectable range of coffee syrups imbue drinks with a soft and subtle flavour that nevertheless packs a punch. The almond syrup is great for adding a nutty edge to your favourite drink, and it's formulated without artificial colours or preservatives.
Buy now £11.88, Amazon
Maison Routin 1883 Premium Vanilla Syrup and Pump
The epitome of luxury coffee syrups, you’d be remiss not to add Maison Routin 1883’s classic vanilla syrup to your barista-approved collection. This one also comes with a handy matching pump.
Buy now £18.38, Amazon
Torani Salted Caramel Coffee Syrup 750ml
Filled to the brim with creamy salted caramel flavours, this syrup by Torani is perfect for adding an indulgent twist to your favourite hot or cold drinks. We’re also fans of the coconut syrup, which we sometimes use for baking.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Simply Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup
In the world of sugar-free syrups, it can feel impossible to know where to begin. Simply Sugar offers a value-for-money, vegan-friendly sugar alternative in its delicious French Vanilla coffee syrup. Not only is it sugar-free, but it’s also nut-free, vegan, gluten-free and halal-certified. Try their Toffee Nut blend in the autumn for the perfect, warming seasonal beverage.
Buy now £8.00, Amazon
Huni Natural Coffee Syrup | Vanilla 200ml
Offered in vanilla, caramel and hazelnut flavours, Huni’s innovative syrup is made with delicious and nutritious acacia honey. Blended in the UK with natural ingredients, we love the floral sweetness Huni imbues in our morning tea and coffee.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Jordan's Skinny Mixes Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup
Though we don’t necessarily enjoy the derogatory brand name of this syrup, we can’t help but adore the flavour. Zero calories and zero sugar, this delicious syrup combines two of the best coffee flavourings in one 750ml bottle to make mornings a breeze.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
