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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Syrups, & Seasonings

    Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

    Published: Oct 24, 2024 by Angela Lietzke · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    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!

    Brown sugar simple syrup in a glass jar.

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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.

    Jump to:
    • About Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Expert Tips
    • Storage
    • Recommended
    • Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

    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

    A bowl filled with water and a measuring cup with brown sugar.
    • 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.

    A small saucepan filled with brown sugar and water.

    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.

    A small saucepan containing simple syrup with brown sugar and a wooden spoon.

    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.

    Brown sugar simple syrup in a bowl with a spoon.

    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.

    Recommended

    • Jalapeno simple syrup in a glass jar with a bowl of sliced jalapenos.
      Jalapeno Simple Syrup Recipe (Sweet & Spicy)
    • A brown cinnamon simple syrup in a bowl with a golden spoon.
      10-Minute Cinnamon Simple Syrup
    • Glass jar filled with a purple blackberry simple syrup surrounded by fresh blackberries.
      Homemade Blackberry Simple Syrup
    • Red compote with raspberry and strawberry.
      Simple and Quick Berry Compote

    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 in a bowl with a spoon.

    Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

    Angela Lietzke
    This easy homemade brown sugar simple syrup recipe adds rich, caramel-like flavor to your coffee, cocktails, breakfast, and desserts! Make your own simple syrup with brown sugar in minutes with just two ingredients!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Drinks, Syrup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20 servings
    Calories 42 kcal

    Equipment

    • Small saucepan
    • Airtight container for storage
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    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 0.01gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 15mgSugar: 11gCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hey y'all! I'm Angela, the blogger, recipe developer, and foodie behind Happy Honey Kitchen! Born and raised in Texas, I have a passion for Tex-Mex food. Here you'll find easy, approachable Tex-Mex recipes that bring the bold flavors of Texas straight to your table!

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