Plain maple syrup is already an exceptional product. But when it is carefully infused (a vanilla pod, roasted coffee beans, smoked wood shavings), it becomes something entirely different: a gastronomic condiment able to transform a dessert as well as a cut of meat, a cocktail or a cheese board. These flavoured syrups are not gimmicks. They are products of character, made for enthusiasts who like to surprise and be surprised. Here are the seven flavours to know, each with a clear aromatic profile and concrete suggestions for use.
1. Madagascar vanilla: the classic sweetness
It is often the first flavoured syrup people try, and rarely the last. The Madagascar vanilla infusion brings the maple syrup a creamy roundness, delicate floral notes and a remarkable length on the palate. The marriage between the natural caramel of the maple and the vanilla is an aromatic given.
Use it on crêpes, pancakes, in a café au lait or to top a panna cotta. It is also an excellent companion for soft cheeses like brie or camembert.
Ideal for: beginners and lovers of sweetness.
2. Coffee: for mornings with character
The roasted coffee infusion creates a dark, intense syrup with almost chocolatey aromas. The light bitterness of the coffee balances the natural sweetness of the maple, for a remarkably sophisticated result.
Use it in an espresso or a homemade cold brew, on oatmeal pancakes, in a reinvented tiramisu or as a glaze on a dark chocolate brownie. It also works very well as a sauce for duck breast or ribs.
Ideal for: coffee lovers and cooks who enjoy contrasts.
3. Whisky barrel: the noble pairing
This is the connoisseur's syrup. Aged in a whisky barrel, it develops woody, lightly peaty notes, with hints of caramel and vanilla from the barrel. The texture is more complex, the taste longer on the palate.
Use it as a glaze on a rib steak or a salmon fillet, in an Old Fashioned or a whisky sour, or simply spooned over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is also a surprising pairing with an aged hard cheese.
Ideal for: lovers of whisky and sweet-savoury gastronomy.
4. Wood-smoked: to step off the beaten path
This syrup is a real discovery. Cold-smoked over wood, it develops aromas that evoke artisanal barbecue, the forest after rain and a light minerality. It is intense, unique, and divides opinion, in the best sense of the term.
Use it as a marinade for grilled meats, as a sauce for ribs or chicken wings, on smoked cheeses or in a vinaigrette with walnut oil. A drop in a mezcal-based cocktail can also work wonders.
Ideal for: lovers of barbecue cooking and adventurous palates.
5. Infused with coffee and cardamom: the spiced pairing
For those who want to go even further into aromatic complexity, coffee paired with cardamom creates a warm oriental profile. The cardamom brings a lightly minty freshness and floral notes that contrast nicely with the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the maple.
Use it in a homemade latte, as a glaze for spice cookies, or as a sauce for roast lamb. It is also a remarkable syrup to flavour a crème anglaise or a rice pudding.
Ideal for: lovers of world cuisine and mild spices.
6. Dark, plain: power without artifice
Dark maple syrup is not flavoured in the traditional sense of the term, but its aromatic profile is so distinct that it deserves a place in this selection. Harvested at the end of the season, it concentrates notes of molasses, very deep caramel and a light vegetal bitterness. It is the most expressive syrup, the one that holds up perfectly to cooking.
Use it in sauces, marinades, rustic baking, or to replace molasses in a gingerbread recipe. It stands up to heat without losing its personality.
Ideal for: experienced cooks looking for depth.
7. Maple and orange blossom: the floral surprise
Less common but absolutely charming, this syrup infused with orange blossom is for palates that like lightness and unexpected pairings. The orange blossom brings an almost paradoxical Mediterranean touch to a typically Quebec base, and the combination works wonderfully.
Use it in a homemade lemonade, on crêpes Suzette, in a plain yogurt, or drizzled over a fresh fruit salad. It is also an exceptional syrup to accompany oriental pastries such as baklava.
Ideal for: lovers of world cuisines and delicate, sweet profiles.
How to choose among these flavours?
It all depends on the main use you have in mind and your level of taste adventure.
If you are looking for a versatile syrup for everyday use, Madagascar vanilla or coffee are the safest and most universally appreciated choices.
If you cook savoury dishes or meats, turn to the whisky barrel, the wood-smoked or the plain dark syrup.
If you like to surprise your guests at aperitif time or at dessert, the orange blossom or the coffee-cardamom combination will make a strong impression.
For a gift or a discovery, a set combining two or three contrasting flavours is the best way to explore the collection. The Maison Fayard selection offers these syrups in a 50ml format, ideal for testing without committing to a large size.
Frequently asked questions
Do flavoured syrups contain additives or artificial flavours?
No. Quality flavoured syrups are made by naturally infusing real ingredients (vanilla, coffee beans, wood shavings) into pure maple syrup. No artificial flavour is added.
Can these syrups be used in savoury recipes?
Absolutely. The smoked, whisky barrel and plain dark syrups are particularly suited to marinades, meat glazes and barbecue sauces. The natural sweetness of the maple blends into savoury flavours in a very balanced way.
What is the difference between an infused syrup and a flavoured syrup?
An infused syrup is obtained by letting natural ingredients steep in the pure syrup, which gradually transfers the aromas. A flavoured syrup may contain natural or artificial flavours added after production. The first method guarantees a more authentic taste profile.
Can these syrups be given as a gourmet gift?
Yes, and it is one of their best uses. In a 50ml format, they lend themselves perfectly to composing original gift boxes, to give on any occasion: celebrations, birthdays, housewarmings. Combining two or three contrasting flavours makes a gift that is both original and refined.
