How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Brown sugar simple syrup is a delicious way to sweeten your favorite drinks like hot coffee, iced coffee, tea, and cocktails. You can drizzle it over oatmeal or french toast too!

My go-to Starbucks order is an iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso. I get it so often that the baristas know me (and my dog) by name which sometimes feels quite embarrassing since it’s a reminder that I spend far too much money there. Alas my love for that pricey beverage is what sparked my desire to create a homemade brown sugar syrup I could use at home. And here it is!

When I tell you this is the very best liquid sweetener for coffee drinks I am not exaggerating! It adds a much deeper flavor than sweetening with sugar. Plus it’s so easy to make. You just need 3 simple ingredients and water!

Add it to your morning coffee (or afternoon coffee if you’re like me and like to keep the caffeinated party going all day).

While coffee is my favorite way to use this syrup, it’s also the perfect addition to an old fashioned cocktail or tea. Feel free to get creative and drizzle it on french toast, oatmeal, or ice cream! You really can’t go wrong.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

• Brown sugar: Brown sugar is obviously the key ingredient in this brown sugar syrup recipe. You’re welcome to use either light or dark brown sugar.
• Water: Equal parts brown sugar and water will give us the rich brown sugar flavor and consistency we want. For this recipe you’ll need one cup of water.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way! I recommend using a pure vanilla extract.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon amps up the fall flavors in this syrup!

How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Add the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to a small saucepan or small pot. Simmer on medium heat until sugar has dissolved and syrup has thickened a bit (it will continue to thicken as it cools). Allow to cool.

What is Simple Syrup?

Classic simple syrup is made by boiling granulated sugar and water together to create a syrup. Typically you use equal parts water and sugar, but you can adjust the simple syrup ratio based on your own sweetness preferences. The sugar dissolves in the water as it cooks. This syrup is then used to sweeten coffee, tea, fall or winter cocktails, mocktails, hot cocoa, and apple cider. And don’t forget how delicious it can be in desserts and sauces!

What is Brown Sugar?

Brown sugar is made by adding molasses to white sugar. That’s what gives it it’s distinctive brown color and rich flavor. The addition of molasses is also why brown sugar is moist and not as dry as granulated sugar.

Light vs Dark Brown Sugar

The difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar is the amount of molasses in it. Dark brown sugar contains double the molasses. This gives it a much stronger caramel-like flavor.

You can use light or dark brown sugar in this delicious syrup.

Can You Use Cinnamon Sticks Instead of Ground Cinnamon?

I recommend ground cinnamon because it’s the easiest way to add cinnamon flavor, but you can use cinnamon sticks if you prefer. After simmering the brown sugar, vanilla, and water, take the pot off the heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cover, and let it sit for a minimum of 6 hours to infuse that cinnamon flavor. Then remove the cinnamon sticks (strain any pieces if there are any).

How to Store Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Once cooled, pour in a jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. A glass bottle with a lid or mason jar work great! It should not be kept at room temperature.

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