Like basic simple syrup, Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is an ever-so-versatile ingredient to have on hand for sweetening coffee drinks, cocktails, and even desserts, and it only requires 2 ingredients to make. You can whip up a batch using one of three methods - all of which take 5 minutes or less. It's ideal for any kitchen setup you can imagine!
Simple syrup is great - its neutral flavor makes it the perfect sweetener in nearly any recipe - but its real magic becomes apparent when you get creative. If you've ever had an iced coffee with lavender syrup or a shaken oat milk espresso with Starbucks brown sugar syrup, you know what I mean.
Much like traditional simple syrup made with granulated sugar, you only need two ingredients for my brown sugar variation: one is water, and the other is - you guessed it! - brown sugar. Plus, it's easy!
Once you have a jar of this liquid gold on hand, I guarantee you'll find all kinds of ways to use it. With a rich, complex sweetness thats similar to maple syrup, it can add amazing flavor to all sorts of recipes. Start with your favorite coffee drink or cocktail and experiment to your heart's content!
Why You'll Love This Recipe For Brown Sugar Syrup
- SO Versatile - Anything regular simple syrup can do, this brown sugar version can do caramel-ier. I'll show you how to put it to use in multiple ways below!
- Quick and Inexpensive - There's literally no reason to spend $10-$15 on a bottle of brown sugar syrup when you can make it at home for less than one dollar. And it seriously only takes 5 minutes - almost as fast as putting in an Amazon order!
- Foolproof - With options for stovetop, microwave, and no-heat preparations, this is a recipe that literally anyone (even the kiddos!) can make. Plus, like regular simple syrup, the brown sugar simple syrup ratio couldn't be easier to remember; it's 1:1!
Recipe Ingredients
- Water - If possible, start with filtered or bottled water for the best, cleanest flavor. No filter? You can also boil your water for about 15 minutes to remove the chlorine. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, and then simply stir in the brown sugar until dissolved!
- Brown Sugar - Dark brown sugar simple syrup will have a more intense molasses flavor, whereas light brown sugar simple syrup will have a milder, caramelly undertone. You're also welcome to use muscovado sugar (for an even richer molasses flavor) or turbinado/demerara sugar (for the lightest flavor).
- Vanilla Extract (an optional bonus!) - Though absolutely not required, I like to add a touch of vanilla extract to this recipe to really round out the flavors. Vanilla paste or vanilla bean would work as well!
How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
As promised, I've offered three simple methods for making this yummy syrup. Pick whichever suits you best!
Option 1: Stovetop Method
- Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook just long enough for the sugar to dissolve completely into the hot water, stirring often - this should take about 5 minutes. Do not simmer or boil.
- Remove from heat, add optional vanilla extract, and allow to cool to room temperature before using.
Option 2: Microwave Method
- Combine brown sugar and water in a measuring glass and stir to combine. Microwave for 60 seconds.
- Stir again, microwaving for additional 30 second increments as needed to ensure all of the sugar has completely dissolved. Again, don't let the mixture come to a boil! Add vanilla extract (if using) and allow to cool.
Option 3: No-Cook Method
- Combine the brown sugar, room-temperature water, and (optionally) vanilla extract in a glass bottle or jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 3-5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved completely. The mixture may look cloudy at first, but should clear up after it's had time to sit.
The Science Behind Simple Syrup
The molecular structure of sugar and water allows for sugar to dissolve in water without any heat or agitation. While warming and/or shaking the mixture helps to speed up the process, neither is technically necessary. This is why brown sugar syrup made using the no-cook method above may appear more opaque when it's first made but will turn fully translucent with time.
Storing & Reheating
Store homemade brown sugar syrup in a glass bottle, mason jar, or similar airtight container in the refrigerator.
Syrup made using the no-heat method will keep for up to 2 weeks. If you use the stovetop or microwave method, it can keep for up to 1 month, since the heat helps kill off bacteria that can cause the syrup to spoil.
To increase the shelf life of your syrup, you can also:
- Add a small amount of alcohol (use vodka for a neutral flavor, or whiskey/spiced rum for more warmth).
- Make rich brown sugar syrup using one of the heated methods above, which will keep for 3-6 months in the fridge. Why? Sugar is a natural preservative, so increasing the sugar to water ratio to 2:1 helps keep the syrup fresher for longer.
Flavor Variations
- Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Double the amount of brown sugar for a richer flavor and slightly more viscous syrup. (This would be a fun swap for standard rich simple syrup in an amaretto sour!)
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Add 2-3 cinnamon sticks to the mix when you're simmering or microwaving, then leave them to steep for 15 minutes. If you're using the no-heat method, you'll need to let the cinnamon sticks hang out for a few days for any flavor to infuse.
- Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup: Feel free to get creative here! Much like the syrup I make for my pumpkin cream cold brew, adding whole spices like clove, star anise, cardamom, or nutmeg to this syrup can create a pumpkin spice vibe that's perfect for fall.
- "Apple Cider" Brown Sugar Syrup: If you're baking something with apples like my caramel apple cupcakes or strawberry apple crumble, you can steep the peels in your syrup for a cider-like flavor.
- Other Flavor Additions: Try adding a pinch of salt, mixing in a different flavor extract (coconut would be good!), or steeping your favorite bag of tea in the syrup for 5-10 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Don't boil! While you can *start* with boiled water for the no-cook method to speed things up and reduce the need to shake, you don't want to boil simple syrup continuously. Why? The water will evaporate and the sugars will caramelize, which can quickly turn a pourable product into a harder candy-like concoction.
- Scale It. Since simple syrup is made with a set ratio, you can easily scale the recipe up or down according to your needs.
- Storage Smarts. If possible, opt for a container with a pour spout or pump for easy, mess-free measurement.
How To Put This Syrup To Use
You can make all sorts of brown sugar simple syrup drinks by using this to sweeten:
- Coffee or tea - Since it's in liquid form, this makes a great brown sugar coffee syrup to add to iced drinks like my Spanish iced latte, mint mojito iced coffee, or iced coffee soda. It's perfect for a brown sugar latte too! You can also use brown sugar simple syrup for boba pearls-the rich flavor is especially suited to milk tea.
- Cocktails - The flavor of this syrup would pair particularly well with cocktails that have warmer flavors - especially ones made with darker alcohols. Try using it in an old fashioned, or combine it with my homemade Baileys in an espresso martini!
Don't stop at drinks! There are plenty of ways to use this simple syrup recipe for cooking and baking too. You can:
- Brush it over individual layers of cake before frosting-this is an old baker's trick for keeping cake moist. It would work SO well in a cookie dough cake, and can also be used to add a little bit of molasses warmth to a vanilla bean cake.
- Make simple glazes for scones. Try it on date scones, coffee scones, or pumpkin scones!
- Sweeten vinaigrettes and sauces - especially bbq sauce!
- Swirl it into your morning oatmeal or porridge.
Honestly, once you have some of this syrup on deck, I have a feeling you'll find plenty of ways to use it. If you come up with something especially delicious, make sure to let me know in the comments below!
FAQs
Much like the difference between brown sugar and granulated sugar, simple syrup made with brown sugar has a deeper, richer flavor than standard simple syrup, with warm notes of vanilla and molasses.
The two are similar, but not quite the same! Demerara sugar is considered a "raw" sugar, and has a lighter, less molasses-forward flavor than brown sugar. Demerara syrup is often made as a rich syrup, using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
Basic simple syrup uses a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.
When properly stored in the refrigerator, simple syrup will last for about 1 month, though this can vary depending on the method used to make it. Read the "Storing and Reheating" section above for more details!
Yes! The tell-tale sign is usually finding cloudy spots in the syrup. If you see this, it's time to throw it out.
More DIY Recipes
From homemade simple syrups to caramel sauce and vanilla sugar, I have tons of sweet DIY recipes you can try!
Recipe Card
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook just long enough for the sugar to dissolve completely into the hot water, stirring often - this should take about 5 minutes. Do not simmer or boil.1 cup brown sugar |1 cup water
- Remove from heat, add optional vanilla extract, and allow to cool to room temperature before using.½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Microwave Method
- Combine brown sugar and water in a measuring glass and stir to combine. Microwave for 60 seconds.1 cup brown sugar |1 cup water
- Stir again, microwaving for additional 30 second increments as needed to ensure all of the sugar has completely dissolved. Again, don't let the mixture come to a boil! Add vanilla extract (if using) and allow to cool.½ teaspoon vanilla extract
No-Cook Method
- Combine the brown sugar, room-temperature water, and (optionally) vanilla extract in a glass bottle or jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 3-5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved completely. The mixture may look cloudy at first, but should clear up after it's had time to sit.1 cup water |1 cup brown sugar |½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Make a "rich" syrup by using 2 parts brown sugar to 1 part water.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Once cool, store syrup in an airtight jar or other container in the refrigerator.
- Syrup made using the stovetop or microwave method should keep for about 1 month. Syrup made without heat will keep for about 2 weeks. Rich brown sugar syrup will keep for 3-6 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate per serving, calculated using standard ingredients. Actual values may vary based on brands used, measurement methods, and more.
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to hear from you - leave a rating and review!Have you made this recipe?
If so, I'd love to hear your feedback; you can leave a rating and review in the comments section below! It's also so helpful if you help spread the word by sharing this post on your favorite social media channel. If you happen to snap a photo of what you've baked, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me (@brighteyedbaker) so I can give you a shoutout!
Rachele
I made this with brown sugar that had hardened up in a canister. It is delicious. Thank you for the helpful tips and creative ways to use it.
Alexandra Azary
Great idea! Glad you found the tips helpful too!
Sandra
What a great idea for a richer flavor! I also like the trick for keeping cake more moist before you ice it!