If you're looking for an easy way to add rich, caramel-like sweetness to your favorite drinks and dishes, brown sugar simple syrup is a must-try! Made with just two ingredients, this homemade simple syrup is a versatile addition to your kitchen. Best of all, it takes less than 10 minutes to make and can elevate anything from coffee to cocktail and breakfast to dessert!
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Whether it’s enhancing breakfast dishes, adding a sweet touch to drinks, or elevating your desserts, this homemade brown sugar syrup is a must-have addition to your kitchen.
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About Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener created by combining sugar and water. The typical recipe follows a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar. For instance, if you use one cup of water, you’ll mix it with one cup of sugar. The mixture is gently heated until the sugar dissolves, transforming into a smooth syrup.
Making simple syrup with brown sugar rather than granulated sugar creates a warm, caramel-like sweetness. I especially love this brown sugar simple syrup recipe for coffee and cocktails. I created this recipe for my brown sugar simple syrup old fashioned cocktail.
Making your own syrup allows you to control the ingredients, so you’re avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives found in store-bought versions. It’s a healthier, more budget-friendly option that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Looking for more simple syrup recipes?
- cinnamon simple syrup
- jalapeno syrup
- blackberry simple syrup
- lavender syrup recipe
- rosemary simple syrup recipe
Ingredients
- Brown sugar adds a deep, rich caramel-like flavor that white sugar can’t provide. For this recipe, I use light brown sugar because it contains less molasses, which provides a milder, more delicate sweetness and lighter color. It’s perfect for when you want a subtle caramel flavor that won’t overpower the drink or dish.
- Water is the essential liquid base that dissolves the brown sugar, turning it into a syrup.
Variations
Use dark brown sugar if you want a deeper molasses taste and a more intense sweetness. Dark brown sugar has a higher amount of molasses, resulting in a richer, more robust flavor and darker color.
Add a cinnamon stick while simmering the syrup to infuse it with a warm, spicy flavor. Cinnamon brown sugar syrup is perfect for fall cocktails, coffee, or drizzling over pancakes.
Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract after simmering to give the syrup a rich, aromatic sweetness that complements desserts, cocktails, and coffee drinks.
How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Can you make simple syrup with brown sugar? Yes! These step-by-step instructions will guide you through making this quick and easy recipe.
Step 1: In a small saucepan on medium heat, add water and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, about 3-5 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for future use.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile simple syrup can be used in so many delicious ways! Drizzle it over breakfast favorites like waffles, pancakes, or French toast. I suggest drizzling this syrup over my brioche French toast casserole!
It also adds a warm, cozy flavor to a bowl of oatmeal, making it a great alternative to store-bought sweeteners. I like adding it to my cinnamon roll overnight oats and vanilla overnight oats.
And don’t forget about coffee, iced tea, cocktails, and mocktails! Stir it into hot coffee or iced coffee for a smooth, sweet finish that rivals your favorite coffee shop creations. I love adding this homemade brown sugar coffee syrup to espresso in my morning latte - it’s like having a Starbucks copycat right at home!
You can even use it in desserts—try drizzling it over ice cream, using it to sweeten baked goods like cakes and cookies, or incorporating it into sauces for a caramel-like flavor.
Expert Tips
Heat gently over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer, not a boil, to prevent burning or over-thickening. Remove the syrup from heat once the sugar has completely dissolved. Overcooking can lead to a thicker, more viscous syrup that may not mix well into drinks.
For a thicker syrup, use a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio. For a thinner consistency, stick to the classic 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.
Storage
Store brown sugar simple syrup in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and refrigerate it. I like to use these glass jars for simple syrups. It should last up to 3-4 weeks when properly stored in the fridge. Label the container with the date you made the syrup to keep track of freshness and avoid using it past its best time.
If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays. This way, you can thaw small amounts as needed for use.
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If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Save this Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar see notes
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and brown sugar, stirring occasionally as the mixture heats up. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from the heat. Allow simple syrup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Choose light brown sugar for a milder, caramel-like flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer, more robust molasses flavor.
- Heat gently over medium heat. Bring mixture to a low simmer, not a boil, to prevent crystalizing or over-thickening.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks or freeze simple syrup in ice cube trays.
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