Seven Cocktails To Test With Your Coffee Syrups

If you've ever set up an at-home coffee station to make your DIY morning latte a bit more exciting (and taste like you're in a cafe rather than saving money at home) you probably have one, if not all, of these syrups. But you know what's even better than a DIY coffee? A DIY cocktail of course. And with these recipes you can now do both.

Vanilla

One of the most loved and versatile flavoured syrups, vanilla is used in lattes, cappuccinos and iced coffees as well as Porn Star Martinis, Milk Punches and another 90 plus cocktails on this website. Grab a bottle of Monin Vanilla here.

Pomme
With: Avallen Calvados, apple juice, Monin Vanilla Syrup and lemon juice.
We say: This cocktail's fruitiness and slug of vanilla syrup gives it broad appeal, if you like Porn Star Martinis, you'll love this.

Vanilla Espresso Martini
With: Vanilla vodka, espresso coffee (freshly made & hot), coffee liqueur, Monin Vanilla Syrup and saline solution.
We say: If you're the kind to opt for a splash of flavoured syrup at the coffee shop (and considering you're on this article, you probably are), then this variation on Dick Bradsell's original Espresso Martini is for you.

Sin Limites
With: Light rum, Monin Vanilla Syrup, lime juice, Campari and cardamom.
We say: Some huge flavours presented in a comparatively delicate drink – think bittersweet and spiced Vanilla Daiquiri.

See all the Difford's Guide recipes with vanilla syrup.

Caramel

Designed to deliver the rich, sweet, buttery flavour of caramel, we find this syrup works really well in drinks that have a bitter element, like coffee or amaros, and balances any astringency whilst imbuing that nostalgic taste. Grab a bottle of Monin Caramel here.

Legend Reviver
With: Don Papa aged rum, Starlino Rosso vermouth, Monin Caramel Syrup, Monin Cinnamon Syrup, aged bitters and absinthe.
We say: This gently rich cocktail is great for as an after-dinner digestive.

Black Coffee Martini
With: Cacao & coffee spiced rum, Monin Caramel syrup, coffee schnapps liqueur, Starlino Rosso vermouth, espresso coffee (freshly made & hot).
We say: A caramel and cacao Espresso Martini twist that's gently spiced.

See all the Difford's Guide recipes with caramel syrup.

Hazelnut

The chocolatiest nut of them all, hazelnut gives us popcorn, chocolate and acorn notes all at once, making it one of the most enjoyable syrups to play with in the bar, you really can go in many directions as we show here with a long and refreshing coconut water drink that is brightened with hazelnut. Grab a bottle of Monin Hazelnut here.

Electro Batida
With: Cachaça, mezcal, coconut water, Monin Hazelnut Syrup and lime juice.
We say: This delicious long and refreshing drink combines an unusual line up that simply works. Cachaça and coconut water with a touch of hazelnut, lime and subtly smoky mezcal.

Nutty New Year
With: Vodka, dark crème de cacao liqueur, Dutch Cacao white crème de cacao liqueur, Monin Hazelnut Syrup and single cream
We say: An Alexander-style dessert cocktail to see the New Year in with. Switch with Monin Salted Caramel syrup, you have a Salty New Year.

See all the Difford's Guide recipes with hazelnut syrup.