Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is an easy way to add caramel sweetness to your coffee, cocktails, and desserts! And when you are ready to mix it up, try out one of the flavor variations included in this post!
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What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is essentially sugar in liquid form. This makes it ideal for mixing into drinks, as it dissolves into the beverage instead of sinking to the botttom.
In keeping with its name, this syrup is so simple to make! It just takes two ingredients, sugar and water!
When heated together the sugar dissolves into the water, creating a delicious syrup.
Simple syrup typically uses granulated sugar, but for this recipe, I have replaced that with brown sugar to produce a rich, caramelly flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar has more molasses and will result in a deeper flavor.
How to Make This Recipe
It takes just minutes to make simple syrup. Simply heat the sugar and water on the stove until it begins to bubble.
Once it starts bubbling turn the stove down to low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove the pan from the burner and let it cool.
What Can I Make With Brown Sugar Simple Syrup?
This simple syrup is used in my Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso recipe! You can also use it to:
- 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.
Flavor Variations
If you like to play around with flavors, try these fun variations!
- Vanilla Brown Sugar - After removing from the stovetop, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
- 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!
FAQs and Expert Tips
Refrigerate your brown sugar syrup in an airtight container for up to 30 days.
This recipe can be made as big or as small as you wish! Though for batches a quarter cup or smaller, I recommend boiling the water first and then adding the brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.
If the brown sugar and water mixture are left boiling for too long the liquid will become cloudy. To avoid this, reduce your burner to low heat once it has started to bubble, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
If you drink your tap water then it should be fine to use for simple syrup. Just remember that the flavor of the water will impact the flavor of the syrup, so if you live in an area with unpleasant tasting water then it is best to use filtered water when making the simple syrup.
If you tried this recipe, please rate and review it so others can see what you thought Tag me in your photos on Instagram @stateofdinner. I would love to see your dish!
Recipe
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 grams) water
Instructions
- Heat the water and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble. (Do not let it come to a full boil or the syrup will become cloudy.)
- Turn to low heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for several minutes, until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one month.
I love how easy this recipe is to make! It tastes so exactly like the actual Brown Sugar syrup at Starbucks!
Yes! Mission accomplished!
I enjoy how simple and easy this is to make at home. I'm definitely going to try adding orange peel and cinnamon to this! It's going to be a common thing in my fridge from now on.
I think you are going to love it with cinnamon and orange peel! Let me know!