I'm trying to build a little collection of homemade craft syrups at home like people used to do back in the 2010s. I started with classic simple syrup but I'd really like to try more original flavors like vanilla or almond. Is there a particular technique or can I just boil sugar and flavorings together?
It's not really a 2010s thing actually, homemade syrups are way older than that, but anyway. For flavors like vanilla or almond, you can't just dump the flavorings into hot sugar, it'll evaporate or turn weird. The best way is to make a classic simple syrup first (sugar and water in equal parts, boil it then let it cool), then you add your extracts or infusions *after* it's cooled down, or you macerate solid stuff like vanilla or crushed almonds in the hot syrup for a few days before straining it. That gives you better control over the flavor and it preserves the delicate aromas way better.
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