1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water, divided
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
In a small, sturdy pot, combine the sugar, 1/4 cup of the water water, and the corn syrup. Stir over low heat until dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved completely, turn the heat up to medium high, cover the pot, and let boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the cover and stir vigorously as the caramel continues to cook. Stir over heat until mixture is a light amber color.
Remove the caramel from heat. Carefully pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Be very careful when stirring the water into the caramel as it can splatter. Stir in the vanilla and a small pinch of salt.
This syrup is best if you let it cool completely before use. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup to flavor 8 ounces of coffee. The syrup will keep beautifully in the fridge for a few months.
Recipe Notes
- Caramel-making can be a finicky thing, even an easy recipe like this. If you cook it too long, it might burn or if you don't cook it fast enough then the liquid will evaporate before the sugar caramelizes and it will solidify in your pot. Don't get discouraged if you mess up a batch!