Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

This Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe is even better than the Starbucks version! Honestly, it’s so incredibly easy to make at home. With just six pantry staples, it’s so simple to recreate the sweet, molasses-y flavor we love in our favorite drive-thru drinks. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to add to your morning coffee, make elevated lattes, shaken espressos, and more!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

Most store-bought options are made with lots of ingredients and additives and are honestly pretty pricey, but not this brown sugar simple syrup! With just a few tests, we’ve managed to create a versatile syrup that beats even the fanciest coffee shop options. Here’s why it’s become an instant favorite in our kitchens: 

• Simple Ingredients – You only need 6 simple ingredients for this syrup, and one of them is water! We’re willing to bet you have the other 5 on hand, too. 
• Quick & Easy – From start to finish, the entire recipe takes just 6 minutes! Just combine the ingredients, boil, simmer, and enjoy. 
• Large Batch – As written, the recipe makes 1 ¾ cups and can easily be doubled or even tripled to serve a crowd or give away as gifts. 
• So Many Ways to Use It – Use this brown sugar syrup recipe in drinks, include it in desserts, or drizzle it over your favorite treats for even more flavor. 

RELATED: Homemade Caramel Sauce

Ingredients

The ingredients for this brown sugar syrup recipe are surprisingly simple. You’ll just need 6 items! Here’s what to gather: 

• Sugar – We use both light brown sugar and dark brown sugar to create a sweet, almost caramel-like taste. 
• Water – Don’t skip this! Otherwise, your syrup will be way too thick. 
• Cinnamon – Add more or less for a warmer flavor. 
• Salt – Use fine sea salt to prevent your syrup from becoming grainy. 
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and creates a well-rounded taste.

How to Make Brown Sugar Syrup

Once you realize how easy simple syrup is to make, you’ll never go back to pre-made options again! All you need is a medium pot and a few minutes. It’s so pretty stored in a glass syrup bottle, but any jar or airtight container works great! Here’s how to make brown sugar syrup at home: 

1. Combine – Whisk both sugars, water, cinnamon, and salt in a medium pot. 
2. Cook – Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, and simmer to dissolve the sugar. 
3. Flavor – Turn off the heat, and whisk in the vanilla. 
4. Enjoy – Let the syrup cool completely. Then, transfer it to a jar to store. 

Tips

• Use fresh brown sugar. Older sugar can harden and clump, impacting the taste and texture of your syrup. 
• Don’t overcook. Simmer just until the sugar dissolves. Boiling too long can make the syrup too thick.
• Prevent bitterness. Add the vanilla after turning off the heat. If it cooks too much, it’s likely to become bitter. 
• Adjust the consistency. For a thicker syrup, simmer the mixture for an extra minute or two before removing it from the heat. 

You’ll Also Love: Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Variations 

• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup – Double the amount of cinnamon, or add a cinnamon stick while simmering for extra warmth. 
• Maple Brown Sugar Syrup – Swap ¼ cup of the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for an even more decadent flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup – Stir in ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
• Honey Brown Sugar Syrup – Replace half of the sugar with honey for a softer, more subtle sweetness.

Ways to Use

Honestly, there are endless ways to use this brown sugar syrup recipe. Our absolute favorite is in coffee! Here are some ideas if you’re looking for inspo: 

• Coffee or Lattes – Add 1-2 tablespoons of syrup to hot or iced coffee for a sweet, molasses-like taste. It’s amazing in our Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso! 
• Cocktails – Mix 1-2 tablespoons (or more) into old fashions, regular or Chocolate Espresso Martinis, or whiskey sours. 
• Breakfast – Drizzle the syrup over Strawberry Pancakes, waffles, Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls, or Bread Pudding.  
• Desserts – Brush the syrup over cakes, or enjoy it as a topping with Vanilla Ice Cream or Snickers Brownies.  

How to Store

Store – Once cool, transfer the syrup to an airtight container or jar, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 

Freeze – For a longer-lasting option, pour the syrup into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container or sealable bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. 

Reheat – To serve, thaw the syrup in the fridge overnight, and enjoy it cold. Or, warm it in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between. Or, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. 

More Ways to Use Brown Sugar

• Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
• Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls
• Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Brioche French Toast Casserole
• Coconut Pecan Cookies

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