Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Brown Sugar Simple Syrup adds rich flavor and caramel-like sweetness to coffee drinks, cocktails, and more. With just two ingredients and a few minutes on the stove, this easy syrup is endlessly versatile.

I first started making this syrup when I got hooked on the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at Starbucks. I wanted that same cozy, caramel flavor at home.

This simple syrup gives you that rich sweetness and blends seamlessly into cold drinks, leaving no gritty sugar at the bottom. It’s just equal parts brown sugar and water, so it’s easy to whip up.

I love to keep a jar in the fridge, ready for coffee, cocktails, or even drizzling over oatmeal when the kids want something a little extra.

Ingredient Information

Brown Sugar: Classic simple syrup uses granulated white sugar. Swapping white sugar for brown gives this syrup a deeper, caramel-like flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar. Dark will give a more intense molasses flavor.

Water: If your tap water tastes fine, you can use it. Otherwise, opt for filtered water to keep the flavor clean.

How to Make the Best Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

1. Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to gently bubble.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before using or storing.

If the mixture boils too long, the syrup may turn cloudy. To prevent this, reduce the heat once it starts to bubble and stir until the mixture is fully dissolved.

How to Use

Here are some other ways that you can use this recipe:

• Sweeten coffee or tea
• Pour a few tablespoons over cake to add moisture
• Mix into cocktails
• Make poached apples or pears
• Stir into oatmeal
• Add to plain yogurt
• Use in place of maple syrup for pancakes and waffles
• As a substitute for recipes that call for demerara syrup

Flavor Variations

• Vanilla Brown Sugar - After removing from the stovetop, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. If you prefer using vanilla beans, slice one vanilla bean in half and scrape the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the pan before heating. Remove the vanilla bean pod before storing.
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar - Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the brown sugar and water while it cooks. Remove the cinnamon sticks before storing.
• Brown Sugar Citrus - Place the rind of an orange in the pan with the sugar and water before heating. Allow to steep in the syrup until the syrup has cooled, then remove.
• Brown Sugar Spice - Put your favorite assortment of spices (cinnamon stick, clove, allspice, grated nutmeg, slices of ginger) into a cheesecloth and tie with twine. Place the cheesecloth in the sugar water while the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture has cooled, remove and discard the cheesecloth and spices.
• I have not personally tried it, but I hear that substituting Swerve or Truvia's brown sugar blend are both great for a sugar-free brown sugar simple syrup!

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