I love making simple syrups at home.
Not only are they far healthier than what you’ll typically find at a corporate coffee shop, but they also save a surprising amount of money over time. Once you realize how easy they are to make, it’s hard to go back.
In the summer months, our go-to is lavender. It’s light, calming, and refreshing. But when winter rolls around, I start craving something warmer, deeper, and cozier. That’s when chestnut praline always comes to mind.
This winter was the first time I actually made it myself, and I wanted to share the recipe along with a few things I learned along the way so you don’t repeat my mistakes.
What I Learned Before Even Making the Syrup
Let me start with a lesson learned the hard way.
Do not buy whole raw chestnuts.
I made the mistake of grabbing the only option I could find at the time, which were whole raw chestnuts from Whole Foods Market. Not only did they require a lot of prep, but sadly about half of them ended up being moldy once opened. It was frustrating and a waste of money.
What you actually want are already peeled chestnuts, and even better if they are already roasted. These save time, reduce waste, and make the flavor much smoother.
If you can’t find roasted chestnuts locally, peeled and vacuum-sealed chestnuts are still a great option.
Why Homemade Syrup Is Worth It
❤️Making syrup at home allows you to control:
❤️The quality of ingredients
❤️The sweetness level
❤️The absence of artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives
Most coffee shop syrups rely on refined sugars, artificial flavoring, and additives that don’t align with how we try to nourish our bodies. Making it yourself means you can choose clean, non-GMO, and even organic ingredients when possible.
I aim to use brands that prioritize sourcing and transparency, like:
Wholesome
Florida Crystals
Simply Organic
Frontier Co-op
Food to Live
Using quality ingredients doesn’t just feel better, it truly makes a difference in flavor.
Chestnut Praline Simple Syrup Recipe
This syrup is rich, lightly nutty, cozy, and perfect for winter drinks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw, unsalted pecans (halves or pieces both work)
- ½ cup peeled chestnuts (roasted if possible)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1½ cups filtered water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Toast the nuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pecans and chestnuts for a few minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. This step deepens the flavor and is worth the extra time.
2. Simmer the syrup
Add the toasted nuts, water, brown sugar, and white sugar to a saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Gently cook
Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally. The liquid will slowly darken and take on a warm, nutty aroma.
4. Strain
Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly. Strain out the nuts using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
5. Add vanilla
Once strained and cooled just a bit, stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Store
Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How We Use It
This chestnut praline syrup is especially delicious:
- In hot coffee or lattes
- Added to oat milk or almond milk steamers
- Mixed into cold brew
- Drizzled lightly over oatmeal or yogurt
A little goes a long way. Start with one tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Small Bonus Tip (Don’t Skip This!)
After straining the syrup, don’t throw away the cooked pecans and chestnuts.
They’re lightly sweetened, infused with warm vanilla flavor, and absolutely delicious. We save them and use them as toppings for:
Waffles
Pancakes
Oatmeal
Ice cream
Yogurt bowls
Just store them in a small airtight container in the fridge and use within a few days.
It’s such an easy way to stretch the ingredients a little further and reduce waste, and the texture and flavor are so good 🤍
Final Thoughts
Simple syrups don’t have to be complicated to be special. This one has quickly become a winter favorite in our home, and I love knowing exactly what’s in it.
If you enjoy cozy coffee flavors but want cleaner ingredients and less cost over time, this is such a simple place to start.
And truly, once you taste homemade, it’s hard to go back.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how you used it 🤍
Living Life with a Purpose 