As the temperature remains far below zero, I have less and less desire to ever leave my apartment. The fact that my Starbucks gift cards (thanks Santa!) have all run out does little to improve my dwindling motivation. The stop at Starbucks before heading to the library is integral to my study ritual. So, what’s a girl with no money, a sweet tooth, and quality time indoors to do? She makes her own delicious Starbucks syrups in her own kitchen. Take your mind off of midterms, off of Valentine’s Day, and off of the accumulating snow piles covering Montreal. After learning about this DIY, your relationship with your favourite barista might suffer.
Tools
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Small saucepan
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk and wooden spoons
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Mason jars (or any jar)
Ingredients
→ White Chocolate Mocha
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1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
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1 bag (12 oz) white chocolate chips
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Dolce
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½ cup water
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½ cup light brown sugar
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⅓ cup pure maple syrup
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2 teaspoons cinnamon
→ Vanilla
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup water
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
White Chocolate Mocha Syrup
Step 1: Heat the condensed milk in the small saucepan. Once the milk is warmed through, take it off the heat and add your chocolate chips. Then stir until they are completely combined.
Step 2: Add vanilla and mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Allow the syrup to cool and then keep it in a tightly sealed container and store in the fridge.
Taste test:
The White Chocolate Mocha smells heavenly–it reminds you of every holiday ever that includes chocolate (so all the best holidays.) It has a rich, creamy taste and would be perfect in a milky café drink – think lattés or cappuccinos. Or, if you want to think outside the box, drizzle some white chocolate mocha on fresh berries for a more decadent fruity dessert.
Roommate Rating: 8 out of 10 for pumpkin spice lattés.
Cinnamon Dolce and Vanilla Syrups
Step 1: Add all ingredients into a small saucepan and put on medium heat.
Step 2: Whisk until all the ingredients – especially the sugar – have combined.
Step 3: Let the syrup simmer, stirring occasionally, for five to ten minutes.
Step 4: Take off the heat and let cool. Then, pour syrup into a tightly sealed container and store in the fridge.
Taste Test:
The Cinnamon Dolce syrup is my personal favourite of the three. Its flavour alludes to Valentine’s Day, it’s both sweet and spicy, and would add character to your mug of coffee or tea. The maple syrup and brown sugar give this syrup the body and consistency that every girl is looking for; alas, now to find a Valentine’s date with qualities to match.
Roommate Rating: 9 out of 10
The Vanilla syrup has a subtle, familiar taste to it; something that would be the perfect last minute addition to your drink during a night in. I love the smell of vanilla, it exudes a warmth and coziness that everyone is searching for during the seemingly endless winter. Add a couple teaspoons to your next Americano before bunkering down for a midterm study session!
Roommate Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Photos are the author’s own.