Brown Sugar Simple Syrup Recipe — 2 Ingredients, Quick Guide

Recipe highlights:

• Quick and simple: just 2 ingredients and under 5 minutes to make.
• Delicious flavour: smooth texture with caramel notes and a hint of vanilla.
• Very versatile: sweeten hot or cold drinks, use in cocktails or mocktails, and pour over pancakes or desserts.
• Economical: cheaper than buying premade syrups and easy to keep on hand.

Ingredient notes:

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Brown sugar: any brown sugar will work—light or dark brown, Demerara, turbinado, or muscovado. Coconut sugar can be used as well, though it has a different flavour profile.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Cinnamon syrup: add 1–2 cinnamon sticks to the pot while heating, then remove before serving.
• Adjust thickness: the standard ratio is 1:1 sugar to water for a medium consistency. For a thicker syrup use 1.5:1 or 2:1 sugar to water. For a thinner syrup use 1:1.5 or 1:2 sugar to water.
• Vanilla: stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract once the syrup is removed from the heat for a stronger vanilla note.

How to make brown sugar simple syrup:

Step 1

Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan and place over low–medium heat.

Step 2

Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture reaches the thickness you prefer. Do not let it boil.

Step 3

Remove from heat, allow to cool, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle and enjoy.

Top tip:

• Keep the heat low: avoid boiling the syrup. Boiling can cause the sugar to caramelize and thicken too much, changing the texture and flavour.

Serving ideas:

This syrup has many uses. A few suggestions:

• Sweeten hot or cold drinks: add to coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Hokkaido milk tea, or iced coffee.
• Syrup ice cubes: pour into an ice cube tray and freeze for easily portioned coolers for cold drinks.
• Cocktails and mocktails: mix into your favourite recipes as a simple, flavorful sweetener.
• Breakfast: drizzle over pancakes, crepes, French toast, or grain-free waffles.
• Desserts: use as a topping for ice cream, cakes, or cheesecakes.

Stored in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for up to 30 days. If it becomes cloudy or develops an off smell, discard and make a fresh batch.

Essentially yes: “Demerara syrup” is simply brown sugar syrup made using Demerara sugar, which gives a slightly different flavor and texture depending on the sugar used.

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