Maple Syrup in Coffee

For those who like to sweeten their coffee, syrups provide a more flavorsome alternative to sugar. Commonly used coffee syrups include caramel, vanilla and hazelnut – but what about maple syrup? 

Below, we cover everything you need to know about maple syrup in coffee, from the right amount to add to your brew to the benefits of picking a natural coffee syrup. Ready to learn? Let’s dive in!

Can you put maple syrup in coffee?

Yes! Maple syrup serves as an excellent alternative to sugar for those looking to sweeten their coffee. Not only is maple syrup delicious, but it’s also completely natural, giving it the nutritional edge over other coffee syrups like caramel and vanilla.

Whether it’s a hot drink or an iced brew, the rich flavours of pure Canadian maple syrup pair superbly with the subtle roasted taste of coffee. Not only that, but maple syrup carries a distinctive scent that perfectly complements the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

From seasoned baristas to instant coffee drinkers, more people are now discovering this special pairing and making it a staple of their coffee-drinking routine.

Learn more about the unique taste of maple syrup below. 

How to use maple syrup with coffee

Maple syrup can be added to freshly brewed coffee in the same way you would with other sweeteners, but it’s arguably even better mixed into iced coffee. All you need to do is combine the maple syrup with a hot shot of espresso before topping it with milk and ice for a delicious and refreshing brew.

Unlike sugar, which should be added to hot coffee first so that it can dissolve, maple syrup can be added before or after you pour in the chilled milk. That said, most baristas will pour the maple syrup into the mug first so that the flavours can fully infuse.

Whether it’s a latte, espresso martini or even an affogato, the complementary flavours of maple syrup make it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of coffee-based drinks and desserts.

Learn more about the versatility of maple syrup below. 

How much maple syrup should you add to coffee?

Due to its rich taste, generally one teaspoon of maple syrup in your coffee will be enough to satisfy your sweet cravings. However, for an indulgent iced coffee, you may want to up the quantity to a tablespoon. 

Remember that when substituting sugar for maple syrup, roughly ¾ cup of maple syrup is used for every cup of sugar. So, if you tend to sweeten your coffee with sugar, you can replace your usual amount with slightly less maple syrup. 

Another option for incorporating the unique maple flavour into your coffee is maple sugar. Widely available online and from health food stores, maple sugar is a granulated form of maple syrup that can be substituted for white sugar in equal quantities.

Find out where to get hold of maple products in Australia below. 

Maple syrup vs maple-flavoured syrup

Sadly, most maple coffee sold by big-name coffee chains is made with maple-flavoured syrup – a derivative form of pure maple syrup that’s mixed with other ingredients like corn syrup or inverted sugar syrup. 

Not only does maple-flavoured syrup lack the rich and distinctive taste of pure maple syrup, but it’s also more heavily processed and high in refined sugars that offer little to no nutritional benefits. 

The two products are usually placed next to each other in the supermarket and the differences may not always be clear. To ensure you’re getting the best syrup for your coffee, avoid any bottles that aren’t clearly labelled ‘real’, ‘organic’ or ‘100% pure’.

Learn more about the benefits of choosing pure maple syrup below. 

Benefits of swapping sugar for maple syrup 

The benefits of swapping your usual drop of sugar for maple syrup are two-fold: maple syrup offers greater nutritional benefits and has a more distinctive taste that will not only sweeten but enhance the overall flavour of the coffee. 

Sugar – and most coffee syrups including caramel, vanilla and hazelnut – are made up of refined sugars that are processed in a way that removes the nutrients naturally present in the plant source. 

Maple syrup, a natural sugar, retains the nutrients from the sap. The end product contains various vitamins and minerals and is recognised by nutritionists as a source of manganese and riboflavin.

Learn more about the benefits of maple syrup over sugar below. 

Maple syrup coffee recipes

You’ve heard all about the benefits of adding maple syrup to coffee, but what are some quick and delicious ways to enjoy this unique pairing? Below, we run through a few of our favourite recipes featuring maple syrup in coffee. 

For an indulgent, chocolatey brew, our iced mocha latte is a great place to start. The melted chocolate blends beautifully with the richness of the maple syrup, while a sprinkling of maple sugar on top provides a delicious finishing touch.

Another excellent option is this iced vanilla latte, which comes together in a matter of minutes and is completely vegan. If you’re not a fan of soya, simply swap out for almond milk, hazelnut or your preferred plant-based milk. 

Espresso martini fans will be happy to hear that maple syrup also works well as a cocktail syrup. In our espresso martini recipe, the sweet flavours of maple syrup blend well with the coffee liquor and help to balance the sharper notes of the vodka.

Beyond cocktails and brews, coffee and maple syrup also come together in desserts. Maple syrup’s natural sweetness lends itself to affogato as well as coffee cake and tiramisu, where it can be used instead of sugar.

Maple syrup: your new favourite coffee syrup

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your coffee, maple syrup serves as an excellent alternative to sugar, as well as other coffee syrups like caramel and vanilla. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also offers greater health benefits as a completely natural product. 

Curious to learn more about the versatility of maple syrup and find more ways to incorporate it into your food and drink? Check out our full range of maple syrup recipes, covering everything from cocktails and desserts to sides, snacks and mains!