Ready in less than 5 minutes and with just two ingredients, this Brown Sugar Simple Syrup instantly upgrades coffee, lattes, tea, and cocktails! Kiss that Starbucks addiction goodbye. You'll be making barista-worthy beverages in your very own kitchen in no time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
We've made this Brown Sugar Simple Syrup almost every week for the last couple of years. It works just the same as a classic simple syrup, only it's made with brown sugar instead of white sugar, which gives it a deep, rich flavor profile similar to that of molasses, caramel, and even toffee (if you add salt, that is). It's the perfect way to elevate hot or iced drinks!
Made from only a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together crazy fast and lasts well over a month.
Recipe at a Glance
- Ratio: 1:1 brown sugar to water
- Time: 5 Minutes
- Use it for: coffee, chai, cocktails
- Flavor boosters: vanilla, pinch of salt
How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Simple syrups typically use a one-to-one ratio of sugar to water, and this recipe is no different! You'll add light or dark brown sugar and the water to a small saucepan and place it over medium-high heat.
If you'd like to add salt to enhance the flavor of your Brown Sugar Simple Syrup, now is the time to do it! All you need is a tiny pinch.
Stir occasionally and watch closely. As soon as the brown sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes to boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool. You can add in the vanilla extract at any point during the cooling process.
This recipe makes about 1-½ cups of Brown Sugar Simple Syrup. You'll likely only use 1 to 2 tablespoons per drink depending on how sweet you like your beverages. That means you could easily make a dozen or more drinks from this one batch of simple syrup!
Storage Suggestions
I like to keep sugar syrup with brown sugar stored in a small glass jar equipped with a pour spout, but you could also use a mason jar if you prefer.
Once the simple syrup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to your container of choice and store it in your refrigerator for up to three months! This is perfect to have on hand for entertaining! Speaking of entertaining, check out our recipes made specifically for entertaining!
About the Ingredients
Brown Sugar | Brown sugar is granulated sugar with the addition of molasses. The difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar is just how much molasses is added in.
Dark brown sugar in your Brown Sugar Simple Syrup will make for a slightly richer syrup, with a bit more intensity to it.
Water | For pure, unadulterated brown sugar flavor, try using filtered water instead of tap water. Filtered water removes contaminants, but leaves in the minerals that make water taste good. This is certainly a bit on the "extra" side, and if you've got no qualms about using tap water, pour on.
Vanilla (optional) | Another way of enhancing the flavor of your Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is to add vanilla extract. Just like with your favorite baked goods, vanilla extract is great for adding deep, complex flavors to every sweet thing it touches!
Take care not to add the vanilla until after the syrup comes off the stovetop! Vanilla, similar to alcohol, will evaporate when heated. To not waste it, you don't want to add it until you are no longer cooking over direct, high heat settings.
Salt (optional) | Never underestimate the good salt can do in the presence of sugar. Salt enhances all the flavors; especially the sweet ones!
It may seem strange to think about salt being in drinks, but if you look at the ingredient label of commercially sold beverage syrups, you will most definitely find salt on the list of ingredients. Add a pinch to your brown sugar simple syrup just once, and you'll never go back again!
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup Ratio (1:1)
In its most basic form, this sugar syrup with brown sugar is made using a 1:1 brown sugar to water ratio. This recipe includes options for adding vanilla extract and pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile and make your at-home beverages extra special.
How to Use Brown Sugar Simple Syrup (Coffee + Cocktails)
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is an all-around great sweetener to have on hand and will save you tons of money by bringing the coffee shop to your house. Use one to two tablespoons per drink, depending on how sweet you like your beverages.
For another fun take on simple syrup, whip up a batch of our Watermelon Syrup or Strawberry Syrup for sweet summertime vibes!
There are so many different ways to enjoy Brown Sugar Simple Syrup. The possibilities are practically endless, and the effort is minimal. Always a win-win combination!
- In Coffee + Tea | It's equally delicious in hot coffee, iced coffee, lattes, and tea (especially chai!). Just 1-2 tablespoons adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
- On Top of Sweet Treats | We even use this syrup in our Pumpkin Mousse and as a topper for brioche French toast, pancakes, and even coffee ice cream.
- In Cocktails | Don't forget the cocktails! This syrup would be great with the amaretto in an Italian Margarita or adds richness to a Rum Hot Toddy. My husband uses this syrup regularly when entertaining in old fashioneds and whiskey sours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. This recipe uses a simple 1:1 ratio of brown sugar to water and comes together in just a few minutes on the stove top.
A quick boil is all you need. Heat the mixture just until the brown sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid comes to a boil. Then, remove it from the heat immediately to cool.
Vanilla extract should be added after the syrup has been removed from the heat. Adding it too early can cause the flavor to evaporate.
Once cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, brown sugar simple syrup will keep for up to three months.
Yes. Dark brown sugar will create a richer, more intense syrup because it contains more molasses.
More Brown Sugar Goodness
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Apple Cinnamon Bread
- German Chocolate Cake
- Praline Cake
German Chocolate Cake
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Praline Cake
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add sugar, water, and salt (if using) to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat as soon as the sugar is dissolved, add the vanilla, stir, and set aside to cool completely.
- Transfer to a jar, seal it and keep refrigerated for up to three months.
Nutrition
Sources: Watercare.com
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