Copycat Autocrat Coffee Syrup Recipe

Autocrat Coffee Syrup holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in New England, coffee milk wasn’t just a drink; it was a ritual, a piece of home in every sip.

How to make Autocrat Coffee Syrup

Autocrat Coffee Syrup is a sweetened coffee concentrate originating from Rhode Island, made to transform milk into the iconic local drink known as coffee milk—the official state beverage since 1993.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Base:

• 2 cups brewed coffee (use a strong, dark roast for that bold coffee flavor).
• 1 cup granulated sugar (white sugar works best for sweetness that balances the coffee’s bitterness).

Optional Flavor Additions:

• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon for added warmth and depth).
• Salt (a pinch to enhance flavor and balance sweetness).

Instructions

1. Brew the Coffee: Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method. A French press or espresso can work well for this, as they produce a bold, concentrated flavor that mirrors the rich taste of Autocrat syrup.
2. Combine Coffee and Sugar: Pour your brewed coffee into a saucepan and set it over low heat. Slowly add the granulated sugar, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. You’ll begin to notice the mixture thickening slightly as it warms up.
3. Cook on Low Heat: Allow the coffee-sugar mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The goal is to create a slightly thick syrup that coats the back of a spoon.
4. Enhance with Vanilla (Optional): If you’d like to mimic the flavor complexity of the store-bought version, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract during the last few minutes of cooking. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer profile.
5. Cool and Store: Once the syrup reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer the syrup to a sterilized glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Success

• Strong Coffee Is Key: The flavor of your coffee syrup depends heavily on the coffee you use. Opt for high-quality, bold coffee blends or dark roast beans.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can tweak the sugar quantity to suit your taste. Add less if you prefer a less sweet coffee syrup, or increase it for extra sweetness.
• Consistency Matters: Keep a close eye on the syrup while it simmers. If it feels too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If it’s too thick, stir in a small splash of water to loosen it up.
• Versatile Uses: Your homemade coffee syrup can be stirred into milk to make coffee milk, used in baking recipes, drizzled over ice cream, or even mixed into cocktails.

What to serve with

Autocrat Coffee Syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and drinks, whether you’re looking for something nostalgic or aiming to introduce a unique twist to your culinary creations.

• Homemade Coffee Ice Pops: For a cool treat, blend coffee syrup with milk or cream and freeze the mixture in popsicle molds. A refreshing and flavorful summertime snack!
• Coffee Syrup Smoothies: For a caffeine-infused smoothie, blend Autocrat Coffee Syrup with bananas, almond milk, and a spoonful of yogurt or protein powder. Enjoy as a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Breakfast Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit with a drizzle of coffee syrup for a delightful breakfast parfait. The bold coffee flavor pairs beautifully with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola.
• Baking Additions: Incorporate the coffee syrup into your baking recipes, such as brownies, cakes, or cookies, to infuse them with subtle coffee notes. Replace a portion of the liquid or sugar with the syrup for balance.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’d like to recreate DIY coffee syrup similar to the widely beloved Autocrat Coffee Syrup at home or adapt the recipe with ingredient substitutes, you’re in luck! Making coffee syrup is relatively simple, and you can tweak the recipe to fit your personal preferences, dietary needs, or ingredient availability.

1. Coffee

The coffee flavor is the heart of the syrup, so choosing the right coffee substitute is key.

Options for the coffee base:

• Regular Brewed Coffee: Substitute coffee extract with strongly brewed coffee. Brew your favorite ground coffee and ensure it’s double strength for a bold flavor. Use a French press, drip coffee machine, or any method you prefer.
• Instant Coffee/Instant Espresso Powder: Dissolve instant coffee or espresso powder in hot water to create a concentrated coffee liquid. This is quicker than brewing fresh coffee. Espresso powder will give a richer, darker flavor.
• Decaffeinated Coffee: If you prefer a caffeine-free alternative, consider using decaf coffee or decaf espresso powder instead of regular coffee.
• Cold Brew Coffee: For a smoother flavor, substitute with cold brew concentrate—it produces a less acidic coffee taste that works well for syrup.

2. Sweetener

The original Autocrat Coffee Syrup contains a generous amount of sugar, which plays a crucial role in creating the syrup’s signature rich sweetness and texture. Depending on your dietary needs, substitute sugar with the following options:

Sweetener substitutes:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor, perfect for a richer and more complex syrup. Use it in equal parts as a substitute for regular sugar.
• Honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, though it will add a slight floral or earthy note to the syrup. Use ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar.
• Maple Syrup: For a unique twist, substitute sugar with pure maple syrup. It blends well with coffee and adds a subtle smokiness.
• Agave Syrup: Agave is a lighter, less noticeable sweetener that’s particularly great for a vegan substitute. Use it in equal amounts as other liquid sweeteners.
• Sugar Alternatives (like Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol): Low-carb or zero-calorie options work well, especially for a diabetic-friendly syrup. Adjust the sweetness intensity based on the substitute you use. Liquid versions might be easier to incorporate.

3. Water

Water is essential for dissolving the sweetener and forming the syrup. However, you can substitute it with other liquids for added complexity if desired.

Liquid substitutes:

• Milk or Half-and-Half: If you want a creamy coffee syrup reminiscent of desserts, such as an ice cream coffee base, you can use dairy or plant-based milk. Note: This syrup requires refrigeration and will not last as long as a water-based syrup.
• Unsweetened Almond/ Oat Milk: A coffee-flavored syrup with nutty or earthy undertones can be made by swapping water for plant-based milk.
• Cold Brew or Coffee Concentrate: For an extra punch, replace part of the water with more coffee concentrate, which makes the flavor even stronger.

4. Flavors or Extracts

Autocrat Coffee Syrup is known for its bold, straightforward coffee taste, but adding or substituting extracts allows you to customize it further.

Flavor substitutions:

• Vanilla Extract: Add a small amount (½ to 1 teaspoon) for a delicious vanilla undertone.
• Almond Extract: Almond extract infuses a slightly nutty, aromatic flavor to your coffee syrup. Start sparingly, around ¼ teaspoon.
• Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced variation.
• Chocolate Flavor: Mix cocoa powder or use chocolate extract for a mocha-inspired syrup.

Final Thoughts

While Autocrat Coffee Syrup has a proprietary formula that gives it its iconic flavor, this homemade version comes close and offers a fun DIY approach to recreating the taste you love.

More Syrup Recipes:

• Lemonade with Simple Syrup
• Starbucks Horchata Syrup Recipe
• Pineapple Dragon Fruit Syrup Recipe
• Strawberry Syrup for Drinks