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From Coffee to Cocktails: Creative Ways to Use Natural Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is one of those flavours that seems to touch every corner of our lives. You’ll find it in cakes, biscuits, puddings, ice creams and chocolates. It is warm and gentle yet it can also be bold and bright.

Often thought of as purely sweet, vanilla is actually far more versatile. From your morning coffee to your evening cocktail, there are endless ways to enjoy it.

One product that truly captures the beauty of this flavour is Holy Lama Vanilla Spice Drops®. Unlike ordinary essence or pods, these drops are made from high quality, locally grown vanilla in Kerala, India. Alcohol free, highly concentrated and incredibly versatile, they work beautifully in both sweet and savoury dishes. Many even say the flavour outshines the more famous Madagascan variety.

Why Choose Holy Lama Vanilla Spice Drops®?

Spice Drops® are designed to deliver all the natural goodness and authentic taste of herbs, fruits and flowers. Because they are both water  and fat soluble, they blend smoothly into any dish or drink with no lumps, no uneven flavour. Just a drop or two is enough to transform your recipe.

They’re also impressively long lasting. A small bottle goes a very long way and when stored correctly, they stay fresh for up to three years. Award winning too, they’ve received recognition such as the World Food Innovation Award (2015) and the Great Taste Award (2017) a mark of trust from both experts and everyday cooks.

What’s more, they’re made with care for people and the planet. Holy Lama Spice Drops works on a sustainable model, partnering with local farmers and ensuring over 80% of the workforce are women, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. Waste is kept to a minimum by recycling and reusing by products.

The drops are also vegan, gluten free, GMO free, sugar free, nut free, and alcohol free. With no artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings, they are natural, pure and easy to trust. 

Everyday Uses for Vanilla Extract

Vanilla often makes us think of baking and yes, it’s perfect for cakes, biscuits and muffins. A drop or two deepens flavour and adds richness. But its uses don’t stop there.

  • Morning coffee or tea: Add a drop to coffee instead of sugar or syrup for a warm sweetness without the calories. In tea, it softens stronger flavours like black tea or chai.

  • Breakfast: Stir into porridge, yoghurt, or smoothies. Vanilla pairs wonderfully with fruits such as banana, apple or berries.

  • Bakes and Cakes: Vanilla is one of the most classic ingredients in baking. A drop can enhance cakes, biscuits, pastries or puddings balancing sweetness and adding subtle depth. For bakeries and dessert manufacturers, using high quality vanilla can elevate everyday recipes into premium products that stand out in a competitive market.

  • Desserts: From ice cream and custard to creams and rice pudding, vanilla lifts flavours effortlessly. Because it’s alcohol free, it’s also ideal for family friendly recipes.

  • Drinks & cocktails: Bartenders and chefs love using vanilla for its ability to blend with citrus, herbs, and spices, perfect for both cocktails and mocktails.

A Recipe to Try at Home

Here’s a refreshing alcohol free mocktail created by @ginstaburge for the Mocktail Master Contest. It shows just how exciting vanilla can be in drinks.

The Vanilla Grove Sour

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml Seedlip Grove 42

  • 30 ml simple syrup

  • 22.5 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1 drop Lemon Zest Spice Drops

  • 2 drops Vanilla Spice Drops

  • 2 drops Cardamom Spice Drops

  • 1 fresh egg white

Method:

  1. Dry shake all ingredients, then shake again with ice.

  2. Double strain into a coupe glass.

  3. Garnish with a star anise.

The vanilla balances the sharpness of lemon, the warmth of cardamom and the freshness of Seedlip Grove 42. The egg white gives the drink a silky texture, making it feel like a classic sour without the alcohol.

A Little Tip for Best Results

  • For drinks: add the drops first to the glass or shaker, then pour the liquid over them. This ensures the flavour blends evenly.

  • For food: add the drops at the final stage of preparation, or just before serving, so the taste remains fresh and bright.

Final Thoughts

Vanilla is sometimes seen as simple, even ordinary. But when used thoughtfully, it’s one of the most exciting and versatile flavours available. With Holy Lama Vanilla Spice Drops®, you can enjoy it in every part of your day, from coffee in the morning to cocktails at night.

So next time you reach for sugar or syrup, try a drop of vanilla instead. You may just discover a whole new flavour experience.

Holy Lama Vanilla Spice Drops® aren’t just for home kitchens. Restaurants, cafés, bars and food producers can rely on them for consistent flavour, cost efficiency and ease of use at scale. With long shelf life and award-winning quality, they’re an ideal ingredient for B2B buyers seeking both convenience and excellence.  

 

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