Step 1

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2

Add 2 or 3 Earl Grey tea bags (2 tablespoons of loose tea) to the sugar mixture. Add vanilla (optional). Remove the tea (bags or leaves) after 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir gently with a spoon and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. You want the syrup to thicken slightly and become silky smooth. If you prefer a thicker syrup, let it simmer for longer.

Step 4

Remove the pan from heat and let it cool to room temperature. If using loose-leaf tea, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This ensures no tea leaves will be left.

Step 5

Serve over pancakes, waffles, crepes, cake, or drizzle over drinks. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.