Brown sugar simple syrup is an easy and inexpensive way to make restaurant-quality iced drinks at home. You can use it to sweeten cold brew coffee, iced tea lattes, pina coladas, other cocktails and mocktails, and so much more. Regular sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold liquids, so simple syrup (liquid sweetener) works so much better!
Brown sugar adds both sweetness and mild caramel notes. It makes for a more elevated simple syrup. And, it literally couldn't be faster or easier to make!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy: This recipe only has 2 ingredients and takes 3 minutes to make.
- Versatile: This syrup tastes amazing in cocktails, mocktails, iced lattes, coffee, and so much more. You can even use it as a maple syrup alternative.
- Keeps well: Lasts for up to 1 month in the fridge! Make a batch—then enjoy this brown sugar simple syrup again and again.
Recipe video
Watch how to make this Brown Sugar Simple Syrup step-by-step
Ingredients (and substitutes)
This brown rice simple syrup recipe only calls for 2 ingredients. And, we bet you already have them at home!
- Brown sugar: We use light brown sugar for this simple syrup recipe. But, you could substitute dark brown sugar.
- Dark brown sugar has more molasses than light brown sugar. So, if you use dark brown sugar, then your simple syrup will look darker and have a slightly more intense taste. (Although, if you're just adding a bit of syrup to a drink, then you probably won't notice a difference).
- Vanilla extract (optional): Vanilla pairs well with brown sugar, so add a splash if you'd like!
Find the recipe card below for the complete recipe, including all ingredients and instructions.
Light brown sugar is our go-to for baking recipes like Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies, Banana Walnut Cake, and Vegan Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to make (step-by-step photos)
This simple syrup recipe only takes 3 minutes to make. Here's how:
Find the recipe card below for the complete recipe, including all ingredients and instructions.
How to use
Brown sugar simple syrup can be used to sweeten a variety of food and drinks. Granulated sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold drinks, so that's why simple syrup is used instead. But, you can use simple syrup in many other ways too!
Here are some of our favorite ways to use this liquid sweetener:
- Iced Coffee—like in this Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee
- Iced Tea Lattes
- Oatmeal—especially in Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk
- Mocktails—such as these Virgin Pina Coladas
- Pancakes & Waffles—use instead of maple syrup on Whole Wheat Waffles
Tips
- Allow time to cool: When using this simple syrup for cocktails or iced beverages, be sure to let it cool first. You can put it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
- Experiment with other "brown" sugars: Beyond light and brown sugar, you could try using Turbinado or Demerara sugar instead.
- Don't just use it for drinks: This brown sugar simple syrup isn't just for cold beverages. See our 'How to Use' section for other ideas on how to use it!
- Choose the right container: When the simple syrup is stored in a convenient container, you'll be more likely to use it all up. We absolutely love this bottle for easy pouring. But, a glass jar or container with a resealable lid works too.
Recipe FAQs
Refined 'Brown Sugar' is granulated (white) sugar with molasses mixed in. The amount of molasses determines whether the brown sugar is "light" or "dark".
Light brown sugar has less molasses than Dark brown sugar, so it is lighter in color. While Light brown sugar and Dark brown sugar are not identical, they can often be used interchangeably.
This simple syrup can last for up to 1 month in the fridge.
Simple syrup is usualy made with a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. That's the ratio reflected in this brown sugar syrup recipe.
But yes, you could easily make a it stronger by using a 2:1 ratio of sugar and water. Syrup made with a 2:1 ratio is called Rich Simple Syrup.
Alternatively, instead of making the syrup stronger...you could simply use twice as much simple syrup for similar results.
Other simple syrups and cocktails:
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📖 Recipe
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed, see note 1)
- ½ cup water
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat: Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir to combine. Warm over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, if using. Transfer to a container and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Brown sugar: We use Light brown sugar, but you could use Dark brown sugar instead. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, so will have a slightly more intense taste and color. (Although the difference will be minor when you're just using a small amount of syrup).
- Serving suggestions: Use this brown sugar simple syrup in cocktails, mocktails, iced coffee, iced tea lattes, as a maple syrup alternative, and so much more!
Tammy says
My boyfriend and I have been getting into cocktails and this has been a game changer. Will try the jalapeño one next.
bri says
Hi Tammy! Yay, glad to hear you enjoyed this simple syrup. Hope you have fun with the jalapeno simple syrup too:)
Nathan says
Who knew just two ingredients could be so tasty. I'm being coy, but honestly this recipe turned out great and has really upped our cocktail game.
bri says
Hi Nathan - You're too kind! Glad to hear you're enjoying this brown sugar simple syrup. I'd love to hear what kind of cocktails you've been making!
Dan says
Made this for a cocktail party this weekend. Worked well!
bri says
Hi Dan! Woohoo, glad this simple syrup worked well at your party! Hope you had a great time!
Roger says
This is my new go-to way to have oatmeal. So good and easy.
bri says
Hi Roger! So glad to hear you're enjoying this brown sugar simple syrup on oatmeal! Thanks for sharing
Dan L says
I never knew this was so easy to make! I ordered some new coffee beans so went all out with iced coffees today. Thank you for this recipe!
bri says
Hi Dan! Yes, it's so easy to make, isn't it?! Glad you enjoyed it with those iced coffees. Sounds like a delicious combo you had!