Torani Syrups: Adding Extra Flavor to Beverages

A well made latte is a good thing, but a hazelnut latte is a thing of beauty. Flavored syrups are frequently used to create tasty beverages. They are most often used to make coffee drinks, Italian sodas and cocktails. Torani produces a large line of good quality syrups with consistent flavor with sixty different varieties. They also offer a number of their flavors in sugar free versions. Torani is the most popular speciality syrup on the market and is easily available.

Because the syrups are sugar based, they add both flavor and sweetness to coffee beverages. The syrups are low calorie and fat free, averaging approximately 70 calories per serving. The sugar free syrups have no calories. Most of the Torani syrup line is certified kosher. The flavorings are created by blending various natural extracts.

Torani syrups were originally created to use in Italian sodas. Italian sodas are simply a shot of syrup combined with sparking water or club soda. Torani produces a number of fruit flavors that make refreshing sodas, such as lime, strawberry and raspberry. Syrups can be combined to produce a more exotic soda, such as a vanilla strawberry or chocolate almond soda. The general ratio is one ounce of syrup to eight ounces of water. This can be adjusted to increase or decrease the sweetness of the soda. Milk or cream can be added to create a richer cream soda.

Flavored coffee beverages are another common use for Torani syrups. Most coffee shops carry some of the standard flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut and caramel. Chocolate mint, tiramisu, almond and butterscotch are other flavors that work well with coffee drinks. Torani syrups are also excellent with hot chocolate, steamed milk and alcoholic beverages.

Torani syrups are available in 750ml bottles, and sometimes in small sample sizes. Unfortunately they are not frequently available in smaller sizes. Because the syrup is shelf stable, a large bottle will last a long time and don't require refrigeration. The Torani website also includes a list of online retailers who supply their products. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Central Market will often carry a small selection. Torani syrups can be purchased in many specialty stores, frequently in places that also sell a variety of coffee and coffee accouterments.

The Torani website provides a number of recipes for beverages and treats using their products. The recipes are easy to modify to suit individual tastes. There are even a number of recipes for desserts ranging from cheesecake to fruit pie to truffles. Here are some simple ideas

Peppermint Latte
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tbsp Torani Peppermint syrup
1 cup milk
1-2 shots espresso

Instructions:
Steam together Torani and milk. Pour into a 16-oz. glass and pour espresso over. Garnish with whipped cream.

Hazelnut Cappucino
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Torani Hazelnut syrup
1/2 cup milk
1-2 shots espresso

Instructions:
Steam the syrup and the milk together. Pour espresso into a large cup. Gently add steamed milk until the cup is about two thirds full. Spoon foam over top of the beverage.

Cherry Lime Soda
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Torani Cherry syrup
1 Tbsp Torani Lime syrup
1 cup sparkling water or club soda

Instructions:
Fill a 16-oz. glass with ice, add sparkling water and Torani syrups. Serve garnished with a lime slice and a cherry.

Peaches & Cream Soda
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Torani Peach syrup
1/2 Tbsp Torani Vanilla syrup
4 Tbsp cold milk
1 cup sparkling water or club soda

Instructions:
Fill a 16 oz. glass about 3/4 full with ice. Add Torani, water and milk and stir well to blend flavors.