Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is the perfect addition for cocktails, coffee drinks and more. Plus, it's literally as "simple" as it sounds. Once you learn how to make it and store it properly, you'll be adding it to your Old Fashioned cocktails and drizzling it over grilled pineapple to wow your guests.
Simple syrup is a basic sugar and water mixture used in coffee drinks, cocktails and some desserts. It's made by dissolving an equal part of sugar in water. Since the sugar is completely dissolved, it's the ideal sweetener for liquids as it blends in easily. And once you learn the basics of making the syrup, the sky is the limit with flavorings!
Brown sugar simple syrup has a slight caramel and molasses flavor, making it particularly delicious mixed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. And it pairs well with citrus and cherries, hence why it's our favorite syrup for an old fashioned!
Ingredients that Matter
With just two ingredients, this one is pretty simple.
- Brown Sugar. Quite simply, brown sugar is a processed sugar with molasses. It's the presence of molasses that gives brown sugar all of its unique characteristics. Light brown sugar has about half the amount of molasses compared to dark brown sugar. Either work just fine here so pick your favorite. Brown sugar is a moist sugar, meaning you can't simply scoop it into a measuring cup and get an accurate yield. It's best to either use a scale to weight the sugar or gently press the sugar into a measuring cup (recipes should indicate if brown sugar is "lightly packed").
- Water. Good old tap water works fine here, especially if you have good quality water. If not, use filtered to avoid any chlorine or chemical taste in your syrup.
How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Add equal parts of lightly packed brown sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to bring the syrup to a boil or it will change the consistency and may encourage crystallization.
The goal of heating the mixture is simple: cook the syrup until the sugar completely dissolves. That's it! The mixture may come to a low simmer, which is fine, but it's not required.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or syrup dispenser and refrigerate.
How Long does Brown Sugar Simple Syrup Last?
Properly stored in an air-tight container like a mason jar with lid, the syrup will last for about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. While the syrup is mostly sugar, it is relatively shelf stable, but we do not recommend storing it at room temperature for a long time. There are no preservatives in this syrup (commercial syrups for coffee or cocktails may have a preservative to make them shelf stable). Bottom line: we are not and do not claim to be microbiologists, so we stick our syrup in the fridge and use it up in a few weeks.
Simple Syrup Variations
How to Use the Syrup
If you are a brown sugar fan like us, you'll want to drizzle this syrup on everything! But it's best in the following:
- Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
- Mojitos
- Hot Toddy
- Brown Sugar Almond Latte
- Iced Brown Sugar Caramel Latte
- Hot Apple Cider
- Coconut and Ginger Grilled Pineapple
- Gingerbread Latte
- Stirred into hot or cold coffee
Love brown sugar as much as we do? Try our Brown Sugar French Toast recipe.
Dinner Ideas
Need some inspiration for dinner tonight? Try these recipes:
Print
Recipe
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is perfect for Old Fashioned cocktails and brown sugar lattes. It's as simple as it sounds and a blank canvas for additional flavors, like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and orange.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar (light or dark), about 7.5 oz.
- 1 cup tap or filtered water
Instructions
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts, 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture come to a boil to avoid the syrup crystalizing (it's okay if the syrup comes to a low simmer). Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to an air-tight container like a mason jar or syrup jar with a spout and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
Notes
- Light brown sugar has about half the amount of molasses compared to dark brown sugar. Either work well here, just use your preferred sugar.
- Use the syrup in cocktails, coffee drinks or drizzled over fruit or French toast.
- Use about 1-2 tablespoons to sweeten drinks.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: cocktail, coffee
- Method: simmering
- Cuisine: Coffee
Gilbert says
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is an easy yet flavorful way to elevate everything from your morning coffee to your favorite cocktails like an Old Fashioned. It’s so quick to make and store, you'll find yourself using it on everything—even grilled pineapple! While you're upgrading your drink game, why not upgrade your streaming too? For endless entertainment, download the free MagisTV app—your go-to platform for streaming movies, shows, and more. Stir up something sweet and settle in with MagisTV!
Blake Factor says
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, caramel-like sweetness in their cocktails or coffee—super easy to make and store! Imagine enhancing your Old Fashioned or desserts like grilled pineapple with just a drizzle. And while you're enjoying those delicious creations, why not pair the experience with great entertainment? Visit our website and try Tele Latino TV, the free streaming app that lets you enjoy top shows and movies while you sip in style.
Crawford says
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is one of those kitchen staples that instantly elevates your drinks and desserts without much effort. Its rich, molasses-like depth adds a warm sweetness that white sugar just can’t match—perfect for everything from iced lattes to craft cocktails. Once you master the easy 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio and get comfortable storing it, you’ll start reaching for it constantly—especially in things like an Old Fashioned or even on breakfast waffles. If you’re someone who loves refining their kitchen game or impressing guests with small but impactful touches, don't miss out. And for organizing your recipes, tracking ingredients, or planning cocktail menus efficiently, make sure to DeltaExecutor it’s a total game-changer.
Roy Robertson says
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is a kitchen staple that instantly improves your drinks and sweets with minimal effort. Its deep, molasses-like depth offers a warm sweetness that white sugar cannot replicate—ideal for everything from iced lattes to specialty cocktails. Once you've mastered the simple 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio and feel at ease storing it, you'll find yourself yearning for it all the time—especially in cocktails like the Old Fashioned or on morning waffles. Don't miss out if you enjoy perfecting your culinary skills or impressing guests with subtle yet meaningful touches. And for easily organizing your recipes, managing ingredients, and arranging cocktail menus, use the RBTV77 MOD it is a watch everything.