With dozens of flavors available and more coming all the time, flavored syrups are a staple at almost every coffee shop in the country. While they're ideal for creating the perfect caramel latte or iced mocha, flavored syrups are good for more than just creating coffee drinks. Their intense flavor and reliable delivery method are ideal for flavoring hundreds of artisan ice cream flavors.  

Ice cream is a perennial favorite of adults and children alike. When you create your own flavors, you can cater to your audience and create ice cream treats you'll never find in a store. Make a batch for a birthday celebration with the guest of honor in mind, or experiment with combinations to find your signature ice cream flavor to bring to all the summer parties.

The Basic Recipe

• 2 Tbsp of vanilla extract
• 1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
• The flavored syrup or syrups of your choice

Whip the heavy whipping cream in a large bowl. Mix the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract together in a smaller bowl. Add flavored syrup to taste, beginning with one teaspoon and adding more until you get the desired flavor. Keep in mind that cold dulls flavor, so make yours stronger than you'd normally enjoy. Fold this mixture into the whipped cream. Pour this mixture into a 2-quart container, cover it, and freeze for at least six hours.

If you have an ice cream maker, skip the first step and mix all the ingredients together. Follow your ice cream maker's directions for freezing a batch of ice cream.

Creative Artisan Flavors to Try

Butter pecan and butterscotch combine to make the smoothest sweet treat imaginable.

Cheesecake or vanilla syrup mixed with cherry make an ice cream that tastes like a cherry cheesecake dessert.

Combine lavender and lemon flavors for a high-end light flavor that's perfect for wedding showers or afternoon tea.

Mix together lime and mint flavors to create a true Mojito flavored ice cream, a perfect ending for a Cuban meal.

Begin with peanut-flavored syrup and add strawberry or cherry for that kids' favorite, peanut butter and jelly.

Apple plus cinnamon equals the perfect ice cream to scoop on slices of warm apple pie.

Start with chocolate syrup, then add a surprising twist. Raspberry, lime, or cinnamon all add a distinctly different switch from the basic chocolate ice cream.