Step 1

Add the water, sugar, and mint to a small saucepan and bring to a low simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup tastes like mint. If using the vanilla bean, split it down the middle and scrape out the seeds; add both the seeds and pod to the saucepan for simmering. Store the simple syrup in the fridge – you can even leave the mint leaves and/or vanilla bean in the jar to concentrate the flavor further. (I usually pull out the mint after a day or two.)

Step 2

To make the iced coffees, just pour the cold brew, milk of choice, and as much simple syrup as you want into a glass with ice cubes.