Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

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

1. 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.

2. Remove from heat, add optional vanilla extract, and allow to cool to room temperature before using.

Option 2: Microwave Method

1. Combine brown sugar and water in a measuring glass and stir to combine. Microwave for 60 seconds.
2. 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

1. 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. 

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 and mint mojito iced coffee. 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.

FAQs

More DIY Recipes

From homemade simple syrups to caramel sauce and vanilla sugar, I have tons of sweet DIY recipes you can try!