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Home » Simple Syrup

Brown Sugar Syrup

Published: Oct 4, 2021 · Modified: Mar 5, 2022 by Ali

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Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

This brown sugar syrup is quick and easy-to-make, using only 2 ingredients: brown sugar and water. Use it to give cocktails a sweet caramel undertone, or to drizzle over pancakes for a decadent breakfast.

Up close photo of a small glass pot of brown sugar simple syrup, with a metal spoon sticking out of the jar, on a white background.

Why you’ll love this brown sugar syrup recipe:

  • It has only 2 ingredients. Just brown sugar and water — which you probably already have on hand.
  • It’s like regular simple syrup but with a twist. Brown sugar instead of granulated sugar adds a caramel, rich sweetness that is so addictively tasty.
  • It can be made thick or thin. You can choose whether you want a thin, runny syrup (perfect for drinks), or a thicker, gooey syrup (perfect for drizzling). The longer you heat the syrup, the thicker it will be.

What’s the difference between brown sugar syrup and brown sugar simple syrup?

You may see recipes for one or the other and wonder which one is right for you or if there is even a difference.

The difference between the two is in the consistency of the syrup. Brown sugar simple syrup is a thinner, runnier, almost liquid syrup — very similar to plain simple syrup made with granulated sugar. This type of syrup is best for mixing into any type of drink (with the exception of bubble tea).

Brown sugar syrup is a thicker, gooey syrup that has a more classic “syrup” consistency. This type is great for pouring over breakfast food or desserts.

The ingredients are the same for both these “types” of syrups. All that changes is how long you heat them for. For a thinner syrup, heat only until the sugar is dissolved. For a thicker syrup, simmer for an extra 5 - 8 minutes to let some of the water evaporate.

Is this syrup the same as Starbucks brown sugar syrup?

Yes, this syrup is perfect for Starbucks drinks that use brown sugar flavoring! Follow the instructions to make a thin syrup— heating only until the brown sugar has dissolved. A thin brown sugar simple syrup will mix more easily into Starbucks drinks.

Glass jar of brown syrup, next to cinnamon sticks, with fall leaves in the background.

Ways to use:

  • Cocktails: This syrup can be used in any type of cocktail, but works particularly well in bourbon or whiskey based drinks.
  • Coffee: Replace your regular sugar with this syrup instead. Add in some milk or cream for a latte with slight caramel undertones.
  • Bubble tea: This syrup is perfect for this Instagram-worthy tiger milk tea which has streaks of brown sugar down the side of the glass as it mixes with the milk.
  • Pancakes, waffles & ice cream. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love this drizzled (in moderation) over your favorite pancakes or even on ice cream.

FAQ:

I took the syrup off the stove and it’s thinner than I wanted. What should I do?

Put it back on the stove and simmer it for a little longer.

I took the syrup off the stove and it’s thicker than I wanted. What should I do?

Before it fully cools, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and mix it into the syrup until you get the consistency you like. You may need to heat the syrup on low to loosen it up as you do this.

Expert Tips:

  • Don’t boil the syrup. There is a fine line between making a tasty, gooey syrup and a massive sticky mess. Boiling the syrup can evaporate the water too quickly. Aim for a gentle simmer, not a boil.
  • Don’t cook the syrup for too long. Just like boiling the syrup on too high heat, heating the syrup for too long can also create a gooey mess. This syrup thickens up a lot as it cools, and if it’s heated for too long, it will turn rock solid at room temperature, sticking to anything it touches. Err on the side of caution, you can always put it back on the stove and heat it a bit more if it is not thick enough.
  • If syrup sticks to dishes, soak them in hot, soapy water. If you make a mistake and end up making a syrup that sticks to everything, you will have to start over. To save your dishes, let them sit in hot, soapy water for a few minutes and the syrup should be easy to scrape off.

Storage:

  • Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to several weeks.
  • If you made a thicker syrup, it may thicken up a lot in the fridge. Before serving, warm up the portion you want to use by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If needed, re-warm on a stovetop on low heat.
A spoon coated with brown sugar syrup, dripping down into a glass container of syrup, on a white background.
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Up close of spoon coated in brown sugar syrup, dripping down into a glass container, on a white background.

Brown Sugar Syrup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Alejandra
  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 13 -16 tablespoon 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This brown sugar syrup is quick and easy-to-make, using only 2 ingredients. Use it to give cocktails a sweet caramel undertone, or to drizzle over your favorite pancakes for a decadent breakfast.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Heat the brown sugar and water on a pan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. To make a thin brown sugar simple syrup (for drinks): Heat only until the brown sugar has fully dissolved in the water.
  3. To make a thick brown sugar syrup (for pancakes, waffles, etc.): Once the sugar has dissolved on low heat, slightly increase the temperature to reach a gentle simmer. Adjust the temperature to maintain a gentle simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature before using.

Notes

  • Don’t let the syrup boil. Boiling the syrup or heating it for too long will create a massive sticky gooey mess that is hard to clean up. The syrup thickens up a lot as it cools down.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a few weeks.
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Syrup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tbsp
  • Calories: 43
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 3mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kushigalu

    April 07, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    Thanks for the detailed steps on making brown sugar syrup. Pinned your recipe.

    Reply
  2. Nikki

    April 07, 2023 at 11:44 am

    This quick and easy syrup is a perfect condiment to have handy for cocktails or desserts.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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