A recipe for Caramel Simple Syrup! This easy syrup is perfect for flavoring coffee, hot chocolate, and other specialty drinks.

Brunch Week
Welcome to #BrunchWeek! This event has been around for over 7 years. It’s a fun way to share our love for all things brunch related to help celebrate Mother’s Day!
We have 11 bloggers sharing over 30 recipes this year!! That’s 30 plus delicious recipes to help celebrate mothers, family, and friends.
If you’re putting together a brunch, then you’ll appreciate all the variety this event offers! From cocktails to baked goods and even sandwiches, there’s something for everyone.
I am participating today and Friday, but check out the rest of the bloggers for even more of brunch-themed recipes over the week.
Caramel Simple Syrup
I absolutely love making homemade syrups for my morning coffee and this Caramel Simple Syrup is definitely a favorite.
It also comes together with only a few ingredients. Combine sugar and water in a medium pot, then simmer until the color darkens to a deep amber (take care not to burn!). Carefully stir in the remaining water and flavor with vanilla extract and optionally salt.
Allow to cool slightly, the transfer the syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
As a note, this caramel simple syrup creates a thin syrup made for flavoring drinks. If you are looking for the thicker caramel sauce topping, check out my recipe for Vanilla Bean Caramel Sauce.

Looking for more coffee syrups?
Try my:
A Few Caramel Simple Syrup Tips
Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt into the prepared syrup to create a Salted Caramel Simple Syrup!
Keep an eye on the color as it becomes golden. The perfect deep amber color can quickly become burnt.
For 1 cup (240 milliliters) of coffee, I usually add about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters) of syrup. Adjust the amount as needed to taste. It is also delicious in hot chocolate, cocktails, mocktails, and milkshakes.
This recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups (590 milliliters) of syrup. It can easily be halved to yield a little over a cup (best if making for 1-2 people).
More Brunch Week Recipes:
- Caramel Simple Syrup from Tara’s Multicultural Table
- Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing from For the Love of Food
- Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Hibiscus Lemonade from Art of Natural Living
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Muffins from The Spiffy Cookie
- Orange Cream Scones from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Peanut Butter, Bacon and Banana Stuffed Waffles from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Spreadable Whipped Cream Cheese (for bagels) from Palatable Pastime

Caramel Simple Syrup Recipe
Adapted from Fork in the Kitchen
Caramel Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) water divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine the sugar and 1 cup (240 milliliters) of the water.
- Place over medium heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the color becomes a deep amber, 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the remaining 1 cup (240 milliliters) water.
- Whisk in the vanilla bean paste/extract and salt if using.
- Allow to cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Karen's Kitchen Stories
This sounds so much more delicious than plain simple syrup. Patience definitely pays off!
Sue Lau
I know I will enjoy this so time to break out the cappuccino machine!
Jolene
Just got out the cold brew pitcher, what great timing! I usually make plain simple syrup but this is so much better!
Radha
Genius! Never thought to make at home. I love caramel syrup and buy it. Now that I have your recipe, I don’t have to buy anymore. This is great to drizzle on pancakes, waffles, and on desserts.
Christie Campbell
Such a delicious syrup with so many uses! Coffee, tea, Italian soda, cocktails. I can’t wait to make a batch for all those uses.
Inger
This is a great idea! I’m going to have to check out some of your other yummy syrups too!