Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Make rich, caramel-flavored brown sugar simple syrup at home in just minutes! This 2-ingredient syrup recipe is perfect for coffee, drinks, cocktails, and more.

about this brown sugar simple syrup

When you learn how to make simple syrup at home, it’s a serious game-changer. Not only are you saving a ton of money by making it yourself (it’s SO overpriced in stores!), you can change up the flavor however you want to.

This brown sugar simple syrup is probably the easiest way to change up the flavor of simple syrup! All you have to do is swap out the white sugar for brown sugar, and add a splash of vanilla.

The day I started making homemade brown sugar syrup at home was the day my morning coffee routine changed forever. That rich, caramel-y sweetness with subtle notes of molasses transformed my everyday cup.

While coffee drinks might be the obvious choice (and trust me, they’re amazing), this syrup plays well with so many other things. Drizzle it over pancakes, stir it into tea, add it to cocktails, or mix it into whipped cream.

The liquid sweetener strikes just the right balance – sweet enough to transform your drinks, but not so sweet that it overwhelms them. Plus, you can easily adjust the consistency to make it thicker or thinner depending on how you plan to use it.

ingredients

brown sugar. We like to use light brown sugar for this recipe, but you can use dark brown sugar too. See the notes below on the variations in flavor.

water. You can use filtered water or tap water.

vanilla extract. Since this recipe has only three ingredients, we recommend using a high-quality vanilla. Make your own homemade vanilla extract, or buy this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this recipe, you will need a saucepan and a wooden spoon.

We like to store our simple syrup in glass bottles or a classic mason jar. You can use any airtight container, but glass is best.

here’s how to make brown sugar simple syrup

simmer

Combine three ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring well until combined.

Once the mixture reaches a boil, immediately lower the heat to a simmer (medium-low heat). Let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavor gets deeper with more time, but you can also shorten the simmer time to 5 minutes if you need it done quickly.

cool

Remove from heat and cool completely before pouring into an airtight mason jar or glass container for storage. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, using as desired.

tips and tricks

change up the sugar type. You can use either dark or light brown sugar for this recipe! Dark brown sugar will give the recipe a bit more of a molasses flavor, whereas light brown sugar tastes more of caramel.

simmer, do not boil. If you boil the syrup too quickly, it will thicken up too much and it will be too concentrated. Make sure to let it simmer and do not let it aggressively boil.

add a cinnamon stick. Drop a cinnamon stick into the saucepan to give this syrup a warming spice note.

More tasty simple syrup recipes: Vanilla Simple Syrup | Mint Simple Syrup | Lemon Simple Syrup | Honey Simple Syrup

how long is brown sugar simple syrup good for?

Brown sugar simple syrup is good for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it in cubes for up to 3 months.

should I use dark brown sugar or light brown sugar?

You can use either! The dark brown sugar gives you a syrup with more of a molasses flavor. If you use light brown sugar, you’ll notice that the flavor is more caramel-y.

Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

how to use brown sugar simple syrup

Brown sugar simple syrup can be used wherever simple syrup is called for. You can use this rich simple syrup in cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, teas, and even sweet treats. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

• Iced coffee or cold brew
• Hot lattes and cappuccinos
• Vietnamese-style iced coffee
• Frozen coffee blends
• Chai tea lattes
• Old Fashioneds
• Bourbon Smash
• Spiced rum drinks
• Coffee martinis
• Hot or iced tea
• Steamed milk
• Drizzled over pancakes or waffles
• French toast topping
• Oatmeal sweetener
• Ice cream topping
• Mixed into whipped cream

how to store

Store. Let the brown sugar simple syrup come to room temperature before using or storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze. Add simple syrup to ice cube trays, then freeze until frozen solid. Place in an airtight freezer-safe resealable bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw. Thaw however many cubes you need in a bowl in the fridge overnight. Use as desired.

more simple syrup recipes to try out

Strawberry simple syrup is fruity and sweet, adding a lovely strawberry flavor to all of your favorite drinks.

Rosemary simple syrup is ideal for all of your favorite cocktails and mocktails!

Lavender simple syrup is aromatic and floral, giving a loving flavor to your favorite coffees, teas, and even desserts.

Finally, if you make this brown sugar simple syrup recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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