Syrups & Mixes

Most syrup pumps that fit 750 mL and 1 L bottles dispense about 7.5 mL (1/4 oz) per stroke. The common cafe standard is 2 pumps for a 12 oz drink, 3 pumps for 16 oz and 4 pumps for 20 oz. For iced drinks, add one extra pump because cold dulls sweetness. A 1 L bottle holds roughly 130 pumps, which is 40 to 65 flavoured drinks. Rinse pumps weekly so dried syrup does not block them or change the taste.

All three are cafe flavouring syrups used the same way, and each sells classic and sugar-free lines. Monin was founded in Bourges, France, in 1912 and is known for its wide flavour range and pure cane sugar base. Torani was founded in San Francisco in 1925 and popularized Italian sodas and flavoured lattes in North America. DaVinci Gourmet, started in Seattle, focuses on espresso-bar syrups and sauces. Sugar-free versions of all three are sweetened with sucralose. Most cafes pick one brand for their core flavours and add others for specialty flavours.

Acidic syrups such as raspberry, strawberry, orange and other citrus or berry flavours can curdle milk because acid makes milk proteins clump, especially when the milk is very hot. To prevent it, pump the syrup into the espresso first, stir, then add the steamed milk, and steam the milk to 60 to 65 °C rather than hotter. Oat and almond milks are more prone to separating. Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut and other non-fruit syrups do not curdle milk.

A 5:1 slush concentrate is mixed as 1 part syrup to 5 parts water. One 4 L jug therefore makes 24 L of slush mix, about 67 servings of 355 mL (12 oz), and a 1.89 L jug makes about 11 L. Sugar is what lets slush freeze into soft crystals rather than a solid block, so measure carefully: too much water freezes hard and too little stays runny. Sugar-free slush syrups need a neutral base, such as Slush Puppie Neutral Base, to freeze properly in the machine.

Chai concentrates such as Tazo Chai Tea Latte are mixed 1:1, equal parts concentrate and milk. Steam the mix for a hot latte or pour it over ice for iced chai. One 946 mL carton plus 946 mL of milk makes about 1.9 L, or 8 servings of 8 oz or 5 servings of 12 oz. Once opened, keep the carton refrigerated and use it within 7 to 10 days. For a dirty chai, add one shot of espresso.

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