Brown Sugar Syrup

This easy Brown Sugar Syrup is a rich, homemade sweetener with molasses flavor and notes of caramel and toffee. It takes just 2 ingredients and a few minutes on the stovetop to create a syrup that's perfect for cocktails, coffee, pancakes, and more.

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Enjoying Rich Brown Sugar Flavor

The sweet, indulgent flavor of brown sugar brings a level of richness to recipes that plain white sugar does not. Its warm, caramel-like flavor makes it extremely versatile and the perfect addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Among my favorite brown sugar-flavored recipes are these rich Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, a sweet Caramel Apple Crumble Pie, and this savory Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Ham. The richness and depth of flavor that brown sugar adds to these dishes is sure to satisfy one and all.

Why You'll Love This Recipe for Brown Sugar Syrup

Because it's easy in so many ways:

One pan makes it easy to make and easy to clean up. If you can measure ingredients and boil water you can make this simple syrup.

An easy homemade ingredient to use in beverages, baked goods, and as a topping.

Easy to customize the flavor with added ingredients.

Easy to make a big batch to give it as a holiday gift. Simply double, triple, or quadruple the ingredients.

What is brown sugar syrup?

Brown sugar syrup is essentially brown sugar in liquid form. It's a sweetener that's a variation of regular simple syrup made with white sugar.

Brown sugar, from which this syrup gets its signature taste and color, is white sugar with molasses added back into it. Molasses is a byproduct of sugar production, and it's what gives brown sugar its distinctive moist texture and deep, caramel-like flavor.

When you dissolve brown sugar in water to create a syrup, you're essentially capturing these rich flavors in liquid form.

Brown sugar syrup’s applications are varied. Its rich molasses undertones make it a favored addition in beverages like coffee, tea, or cocktails; drizzled over desserts such as ice cream, cakes, or pies; or used in cooking and baking as a moisture-adding ingredient or glaze.

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this brown sugar simple syrup recipe. The exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.

• Light or Dark Brown Sugar
• Water

That's it! Just 2 ingredients. Well, unless you want to add another flavor. See the recipe variations section below.

Light Brown Sugar vs Dark Brown Sugar

The type of brown sugar used can influence the flavor profile of the syrup. Light brown sugar will yield a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar, with a higher molasses content, will produce a deeper, more robust taste.

Brown Sugar Simple Syrup Ratio

The ratio for standard brown sugar syrup is 1:1 (equal parts). It will have the same liquid consistency as regular simple syrup and is similar to maple syrup.

The ratio for rich brown sugar syrup is 2:1 (two parts brown sugar and 1 part water). Rich brown sugar will have a thicker and more viscous texture.

How to Make Brown Sugar Syrup

Here are the simple steps to make homemade brown sugar syrup:

1. Add brown sugar and water to a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a low simmer and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Do not let it boil!
3. It will look clear and have a beautiful caramel color.

Let the brown sugar simple syrup cool then pour into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Great for Old Fashions, Irish Coffee, lattes, and other coffees and teas.

How to Make Thick Brown Sugar Syrup

There are two ways you can make thick brown sugar syrup:

• Continue to cook the syrup until it reaches a thicker consistency.
• Use a 2:1 ratio of brown sugar to water (2 parts brown sugar and 1 part water).

Recipe Variations

Brown sugar syrup, with its rich and caramel-like taste, serves as an excellent base for various flavor infusions. Below are some delightful variations to elevate your syrup game:

• Apple Brown Sugar Syrup: Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples and a pinch of cinnamon (optional) to the syrup mixture. Strain out the apple pieces before storing the syrup.
• Butter Brown Sugar Syrup: After removing the syrup from the heat, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted and combined. This variation is especially decadent!
• Cardamom Brown Sugar Syrup: Toss in 5 to 6 whole cardamom pods while simmering. Remember to strain them out before storing it.
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar Syrup: Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the saucepan while making the syrup. Allow to steep as the syrup cools, then remove before storing.
• Ginger Brown Sugar Syrup: Add about a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced, to the syrup mixture. For an extra kick, you can even grate the ginger to release more flavor. Strain the syrup to remove ginger pieces before storing.
• Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup: Add a combination of warm spices like cloves, star anise, and nutmeg. Use whole spices and steep in the syrup as it cools, then strain them out before storing.
• Rosemary Brown Sugar Syrup: Add 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs to the simmering syrup. Let steep as the syrup cools, then remove sprigs before storing.
• Vanilla Brown Sugar Syrup: Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract or use a vanilla bean. If using a bean, split it lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the syrup, and drop the pod in as well. Remove the pod before storing.

When adding flavoring agents like herbs, spices, or fruits, you may wish to let the syrup simmer a bit longer or let the ingredients steep in the hot syrup for about 30 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Always remember to strain out any solid ingredients before transferring the syrup to a storage container.

Brown Sugar Syrup Uses

Brown sugar syrup, with its deep, caramel-like flavor, is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can transform everyday recipes into gourmet delights. Here are some wonderful ways to incorporate this sweet concoction into your meals and beverages:

• Cake: Enhance your cake batter with a tablespoon or two. It pairs especially well with yellow or pound cakes. Alternatively, brush some syrup on a freshly baked cake for added moisture and flavor.
• Cocktails: Craft a Brown Sugar Bourbon or Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned with a hint of this syrup.
• Coffee and Coffee Drinks: Infuse your morning latte, cappuccino, or frappuccino with a touch of brown sugar goodness.
• Eggnog: Elevate your holiday eggnog with a tablespoon of brown sugar syrup.
• Hot Chocolate: Create a caramel-flavored hot chocolate that both kids and adults will love.
• Ice Cream: Drizzle over vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee-flavored ice cream for a delightful treat.
• Oatmeal: Add a sweet twist to your morning oatmeal by mixing in a tablespoon of syrup.
• Soda: Craft a homemade brown sugar soda by mixing a tablespoon of syrup with 1 to 2 cups of soda water.
• Pancake and Waffle Syrup: Use it as a stand-alone syrup or blend it with traditional maple syrup for a layered taste experience.
• Tea and Tea Drinks: Add a touch of sweetness and depth to your afternoon tea or make a brown sugar tea latte.

How to Store

Cool the syrup to room temperature. Pour it into a glass airtight container with a lid. A mason jar works well. Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It will last up to 1 month.

If you are giving the syrup as a gift, it's advised to sterilize the jar and lid to be safe.

More DIY Recipes

• Gingerbread Syrup - the perfect holiday flavor for lattes, pancakes, cocktails and more.
• Homemade Irish Cream - easy to make and delicious in Irish coffee.
• Peppermint Mocha Creamer - creamy, minty holiday flavor for your morning coffee.
• Pumpkin Butter - skip the apple butter and go straight for this fall favorite. Breakfast never tasted so good!
• Rosemary Olive Oil - makes a great hostess gift for the holiday. Great for cooking and bread dipping.
• Strawberry Syrup - is an easy-to-make sweet and tangy syrup perfect for drinks, desserts, and homemade toppings. 

Find lots of easy recipes for syrups, sauces, and more right here on 2CM!

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