Brown Sugar Simple Syrup For Coffee, Tea, Cocktails, & More

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Brown sugar simple syrup is a quick and easy way to add a deep caramel-like flavor. This liquid sweetener mixes into your favorite warm and cold drinks, iced tea, matcha, and more seamlessly.

Looking for more homemade syrup? Try my raspberry, earl grey, grapefruit, or jalapeno lime simple syrup recipes.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Simple ingredients – This homemade simple syrup is made with just two ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Rich caramel flavor – The molasses in brown sugar gives it a richer flavor than regular white sugar, with notes of toffee.
Versatile – Add this classic simple syrup to iced coffee drinks, hot chocolate, hot tea, an old fashioned cocktail or mocktail, or pour it over french toast, oatmeal, pancakes, or oat flour crepes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple brown sugar syrup:

Dark brown sugar or light brown sugar – the main different between the two is the amount of molasses. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content while light brown sugar has less molasses. For more of a deep caramel flavor, opt for dark brown sugar. But either one will be delicious.
Water – to dissolve the sugar.

How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Step By Step

Here are some quick visual instructions. The full instructions and ingredient list will be in the printable recipe card below!

Dissolve sugar. Heat the water and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Constantly stir until the sugar dissolves.
Cool and chill. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge for at least an hour before using.

Helpful Tips

The most common ratio for a basic simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar. So, if you prefer a sweeter syrup, increase the amount of sugar.
Don’t let the syrup come to a boil, otherwise, you risk burning it which will give the syrup a bitter flavor.

Quick Tip: Let this delicious brown sugar syrup chill for 1 hour in the fridge before adding it to cold beverages. Otherwise, your drinks will be lukewarm.

Storage

Store this homemade syrup in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

It also freezes well for longer storage. Pour it into a silicone ice mold. Once frozen, pop up the cubes and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag where they’ll last for several months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight or pop into a warm drink.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.

How can you make this homemade brown sugar syrup recipe using what you already have? Here are some ideas…

Make rich simple syrup – use 2 parts brown sugar to 1 part water. This will create a thicker syrup.
Add-ins – cinnamon sticks, orange peel, pumpkin spice, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Variations – use maple syrup or maple sugar in place of brown sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between brown sugar and white sugar syrup?

Brown sugar syrup has a deeper, more complex flavor thanks to the molasses. It’s warmer and cozier, perfect for fall or winter drinks.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it must be refrigerated. This helps preserve freshness and prevents mold.

More Homemade Syrup Recipes

I hope you love this Brown Sugar Simple Syrup! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment & a star rating below. Thank you!