Vanilla Bean Frozen Drink - Like Starbucks - cooking recipe

Ingredients

for the vanilla syrup
3 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
for the drink
2 cups ice, crushed
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vanilla-flavored syrup
2 tablespoons whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

make the syrup: combine sugar and water in a saucepan.
bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
off heat, stir in the vanilla paste, cool completely.
to make drink: place ice in blender, chop.
add milk and vanilla syrup.
blend until smooth.
you might need to stop and start the blender and scrape down the sides to get a smooth blend.
pour into chilled 8 oz. glasses.
top with whipped cream, if desired.
add a straw and enjoy!
remaining syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.