Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

This Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is a must-have for all homemade cocktails and beverages! Made with only two ingredients and less than 10 minutes, it has a rich, caramel-like flavor that adds perfect sweetness to your drinks.

Brown sugar simple syrup is perfect for making homemade drinks and beverages. Its rich, caramel-like flavor, derived from the molasses in brown sugar, enhances the taste of any drink. The smooth texture of the syrup ensures even sweetness distribution and prevents it from settling at the bottom. Making the syrup is easy, with just two ingredients and a simple process, making it a convenient choice for quick preparation.

To try some fruity simple syrup recipes, try some of these options: strawberry simple syrup, blueberry simple syrup, blackberry simple syrup, peach simple syrup, or raspberry simple syrup.

Some cocktails and beverages you can make with this brown sugar syrup are Espresso Gin Martini, Peppermint Espresso Martini, Espresso Tonic, or Iced Almond Milk Latte.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Preparation: Brown sugar simple syrup is easy to make using two main ingredients: brown sugar and water. The process involves dissolving the sugar in water over heat until fully integrated. This makes it a quick and straightforward recipe that anyone can follow.
• Flavor: The syrup unquestionably boasts a rich and deep flavor profile, all thanks to the molasses content in brown sugar. This confers a unique, caramel-like sweetness that significantly enhances the taste of various beverages and desserts, rendering it far more appealing than regular simple syrup.
• Versatility: Brown sugar simple syrup is highly versatile and can be used in many recipes. It’s perfect for sweetening coffee, tea, cocktails, and baked goods, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Besides its versatility, you can experiment with different flavor variations, like fruit or spices, to create your perfect simple syrup.
• Long-lasting: When appropriately stored in a sealed container or a jar and refrigerated, brown sugar simple syrup can last several weeks. This extended shelf life allows you to prepare it in advance and have it ready for multiple uses, adding to its convenience and appeal.

Ingredients

• Brown Sugar: For this recipe, I used light brown sugar. It creates a more profound, caramel-like flavor for the syrup without overpowering other ingredients in a cocktail or a beverage.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use different sugar: The type of sugar used, whether it’s white granulated sugar, demerara sugar, or coconut sugar, can significantly impact the flavor of the syrup. Each type of sugar has its distinct taste and characteristics, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or the requirements of a specific recipe.
• Add fruit: To elevate your syrup, incorporate berries, citrus peels, or tropical fruits to infuse it with extra flavors and aromas. The result will be a more complex and vibrant syrup, ideal for enhancing the taste of cocktails, desserts, or breakfast dishes.
• Add spices: To enhance the syrup, you can always experiment with spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, or cardamom to impart warm and aromatic notes. These spiced syrups can add depth and richness to various beverages and culinary creations, enhancing their flavor and appeal.
• Adjust the water/sugar ratio: By adjusting the water-to-sugar ratio, you can control the thickness and sweetness of the syrup. A higher sugar concentration creates a thicker, sweeter syrup, while a higher water content makes a lighter, less sweet version. This flexibility allows the syrup to be customized for specific recipes or personal tastes.

How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Step 1: Add brown sugar and water to a medium-sized pot.

Step 2: On medium-high heat, simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves, mixing occasionally.

Step 3: Remove from heat and set aside to cool off.

Step 4: Transfer to a jar or a syrup dispenser and store in a fridge.

Pro Tip: Don’t let the syrup boil; otherwise, it might be too thick and caramelized.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Do not boil the syrup: Avoid boiling the syrup to ensure even sugar dissolution without caramelization or burning. Gentle heating is enough to create a consistent syrup, maintaining its intended flavor and texture.
• Let it cool before using: Allow the syrup to cool before using to ensure it mixes well into cold drinks and desserts without affecting their temperature, achieving the desired consistency and avoiding dilution. As mentioned, this is vital when making iced beverages, cocktails, and mocktails.
• Use a funnel when transferring to a jar or syrup dispenser: For more effortless transfer, use a small funnel to pour the syrup into a jar or syrup dispenser.
• Experiment with water/sugar ratios: Adjusting the water-to-sugar ratio is crucial for creating syrups with diverse consistencies and sweetness levels. These ratios can be tailored to suit specific recipes or preferences, resulting in thicker, more decadent syrups to lighter, more subtle ones. The traditional simple syrup ratio is 1:1, which equals 1 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. Try a 2:1 ratio of 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water for a thicker and richer flavor.  

How to Use Leftover Syrup

• Cocktails: This syrup can be used for various cocktails, like this espresso gin martini or peppermint espresso martini.
• Mocktails: Use this syrup for all the mocktails or homemade lemonade.
• Beverages: This brown simple syrup is excellent for all homemade beverages, such as this iced almond milk latte or espresso tonic.
• Breakfast: Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, especially if the syrup is thicker.

Recipe FAQs