Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is the perfect sweetener for any sipper. All you need are two ingredients and minimal time to make this sweet and complex simple syrup recipe that is perfect for cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, lemonade and more.
Want to save this?
We'll email a link directly to you so you can come back to it later! Plus, you'll receive new recipes delivered to your inbox each week.
This post contains affiliate links.
Real talk: I did not know that you could make a brown sugar syrup until a couple years back, when it was added to one of my now favorite iced coffee drinks. It blew my mind.
I have been on the brown sugar syrup train ever since and recommend you do the same.
And unlike many flavored syrups from the store, this one has two ingredients… and you probably already have those in your home right now.
Why I love this recipe:
Honestly, homemade and simple syrups are so easy to make at home, and this brown sugar syrup is the exact same.
You don’t need specialty ingredients. You don’t need preservatives or anything that’s hard to find. And it takes about five minutes to cook and maybe 30 to cool, and then you are done.
In addition to these things, you can make a large batch and use it every day in your coffee, or you can swirl it into cocktails, mocktails, or more. You can even drizzle it over pancakes or waffles if you’re feeling fancy and looking for a different flavor profile than maple syrup.
I hope you love it as much as I do and that you get a lot of use out of this recipe.
Recipes to try with this simple syrup: Brown Sugar Lemonade | Apple Cider Pancakes | Apple Cider Margaritas
What you need to make this recipe:
The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.
- Saucepan
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring cups and/or kitchen
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Jars for storage
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here is what you need to get at the store to make this recipe:
- Brown sugar — this is what this syrup is all about, and no, you cannot replace it with another sugar. Otherwise, it is no longer brown sugar syrup. You may use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar. A dark brown sugar will provide more deep molasses notes, while a light brown sugar will be a little bit less intense.
- Water — regular water from the tap is totally fine!
How to make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
This is pretty much a standard simple syrup recipe, though I will note that we are not using the traditional simple syrup formula of 1-1. Instead, this recipe has 2-1 ratio of sugar to water for a richer flavor.
Measure. Combine the brown sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Swirl them together or stir with a wooden spoon.
Simmer. Place the saucepan on the stovetop, and heat the ingredients over high heat.
You want to heat the simple syrup just until the sugar dissolves in the water — and this will be before it comes to a boil, so keep an eye on it. This should only take 5 minutes tops.
Cool. When the sugar has completely dissolved into the water, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool.
Store. Pour the syrup into its storage container and refrigerate until time to use.
how to store:
Once the syrup has been strained, transfer it to a mason jar, an airtight container or a fun glass jar, like these glass jars.* (affiliate link)
Keep it in the refriderator for 1-2 weeks.
You can also freeze simple syrup. Follow this tutorial to freeze some for later.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Simple syrup is always a great thing to have on hand when hosting anything, whether you’ve got friends coming over for dinner or you’re hosting a light happy hour. This is an easy thing to have in your fridge to accompany drinks or even dessert.
Also, it works well for an at-home brunch with friends (use it in mimosas or bellinis for a sweet splash!) or for cocktail hour at a dinner party.
Here are a few tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible:
- Make a batch 1-2 days in advance. Let it hang out in the fridge.
- Double or triple the recipe. This will depend on the number of guests and what drink you are making. However, since this keeps well in the refrigerator, you can and should make extra so that you’ve got more than enough.
- Add some extra flavor. Once made, add a splash of vanilla extract or even a pinch of cinnamon or another warming spice blend to give more complexity to the simple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All you need is for the sugar to dissolve into the water. That should happen before the mixture comes to a boil.
It should last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Do not store simple syrup at room temperature because it will not last this long.
Yes, though that will not be a brown sugar simple syrup and will instead be a demerara syrup. Brown sugar is made with white sugar and molasses. Demerara sugar is minimally processed raw cane sugar but has a similar flavor profile.
Quick tips and tricks to making homemade simple syrup
- Follow the instructions. The beauty of this syrup recipe is that all you need to do is let the sugar dissolve, and then it is good to go.
- Try it with light or dark brown sugar. Give each a taste and see which you prefer. The light brown sugar will have a lighter taste and flavor while the dark brown sugar will have more deep molasses undertones and will be darker.
- Store it properly. Transfer the syrup to a decorative jar or a Mason jar once it is cool, and keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Other variations on simple syrup:
Your simple syrup ratio will remain the same at 1 part water to 1 part sugar. In fact, you’ll make simple syrup in the saucepan and then add in these additional flavors to infuse.
Here are some of our favorites:
- This basic simple syrup recipe is a classic for a reason!
- Add cinnamon sticks, and let them infuse for 1-3 hours to create cinnamon simple syrup. This is spectacular in fall drinks, like Gin Apple Pie Cocktail and Apple Cider Moscow Mule!
- Add peeled, fresh ginger root, and let it infuse for 30-45 minutes to make ginger simple syrup. This would be fantastic for various fall drinks, too.
Keep in mind that when you infuse simple syrup with flavors, the stronger the flavors will be the longer you steep them.
Also, everyone’s tastebuds are different!
Here’s how you can make this one at home:
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
EQUIPMENT
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Mason jar (pint) or any jars for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Want to save this?
We’ll email a link directly to you so you can come back to it later! Plus, you’ll receive new recipes delivered to your inbox each week.
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup brown sugar and ½ cup water in a medium saucepan. Give them a stir.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, cooking just until the sugar has totally dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
- Store in a mason jar or another liquid storage container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
Video
About the Author:
Erin Parker is the recipe developer, food photographer and founder of The Speckled Palate, where she shares recipes, many Southern and Louisiana-inspired, and easy, low-key entertaining ideas since 2011. Whether you’re searching for a weeknight dinner or a party menu, Erin’s recipes are made for sharing with the people you love. Learn more about Erin and learn more about TSP.
Before leaving a comment or rating, ask yourself: