This brown sugar simple syrup is my absolute favorite thing to use for my favorite brown sugar coffee. It adds the perfect amount of rich caramel-like sweetness to your morning coffee, tea, or any other beverages. This simple recipe is quick, easy, and way cheaper than the Starbucks version.

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Why you’ll love this

Coffee lovers, you have arrived at the right place. If you’re trying to get into the routine of making your own homemade lattes or coffee, you absolutely have to introduce this delicious coffee syrup into your rotation.

• It’s simple! Making your own brown sugar syrup might sound daunting, but I promise, it could not be easier. All you have to do is put your ingredients into a small sauce pan and let it simmer! And PS- there’s only 3 ingredients!
• It’s amazing. Once you try homemade brown sugar syrup you’re going to want to make your coffee at home. It’s SO good and has the best flavor.
• It’s versatile. You can add this for both hot and iced beverages, or even use it in baked goods, oats, or anything that you’d typically add sweetener to.
• It’s going to save you money! Hitting the drive through for coffee these days can run you literal hundreds of dollars each month!

The next time your tempted to grab a brown sugar latte from your local coffee shop, whip up this homemade version and thank me later!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients!

1. Dark brown sugar: The star of the show of course is brown sugar! Brown sugar contains molasses which is where the deeper flavor and caramel notes come from. I prefer dark brown sugar because it has more molasses than light, but you can use either.
2. Water: To make any simple syrup, you just need a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. So easy!
3. Vanilla extract: I love adding vanilla extract to make these even more flavorful. This one is my favorite.

Optional: If you’d like some cinnamon notes in your syrup, throw in a few cinnamon sticks while it’s simmering!

For storage, I love using these 12 oz. mason jars with lids.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Add brown sugar, water, and vanilla extract to a small saucepan and combine well using a wooden or silicone spoon.
2. Bring ingredients to a boil and then immediately lower to simmer.

3. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note: If you’re low on time, simmer for just 5 minutes, but the flavor will be deeper with a longer simmer time.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool before pouring into a mason jar or airtight container for storage.

5. Add to your favorite coffee, tea, or any beverages that you’d typically sweeten with sugar.

Uses for brown sugar simple syrup

I love using brown sugar syrup for coffee but there are so many ways you can use it!

• Brown Sugar Coffee: This is how I make my iced coffee every morning. It’s like a fancy coffee from your favorite coffee shop! Combine your milk of choice with coffee, ice cubes, some cinnamon and a little brown sugar syrup. Use whole milk, plant-based milk, or whatever you typically use!
• Brown sugar oat milk latte: Combine shots of espresso with creamy oat milk and brown sugar syrup. Add some syrup to oat milk and then use a milk frother to add a cold foam topping and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon!
• Hot coffee: Just add to brewed coffee, add your favorite milk or cream and as much syrup as you want depending on your personal preference. You can also use instant coffee instead of brewed.
• Hot tea: Just like coffee, brown sugar syrup works perfectly in hot (or iced) tea too!
• Cocktails or mocktails: You can use this syrup in any cocktail or mocktail that calls for simple syrup.
• Oatmeal or overnight oats: Instead of sweetening your oats with regular sugar, honey, or maple syrup, you can swap in brown sugar syrup for a different flavor!
• Pancakes, waffles or french toast: A drizzle of syrup would go perfectly on your fave breakfast treats.
• Topping for cakes or muffins: You can brush syrup on the tops of muffins, breads or cakes for a moist sweet topping. This would work perfectly for my chia seed banana bread.
• Meats: You can even use this to glaze chicken, pork or ham!

Recipe FAQ

How long does brown sugar simple syrup last in the fridge?

Use your syrup within 1-2 weeks for best freshness.

Can I use regular white sugar?

You can make a simple syrup out of white sugar the exact same way, but the flavor profile will be different. Brown sugar contains molasses which is responsible for its brown color and deeper flavor.

How much should I add to coffee?

It depends on your preference, but I find that 1-2 teaspoons of this syrup is plenty to give your coffee flavor and sweetness!

Is brown sugar syrup healthy?

As a Registered Dietitian, I believe in limiting added sugar, for sure. But, enjoying what you eat and drink matters too, and my morning coffee is somewhere that I choose to add a bit of added sugar for satisfaction. Instead of elimination I prefer to focus on moderation and mindfulness. You won’t find any food guilt here!

Can I add cinnamon?

If you want cinnamon notes in your brown sugar cinnamon, simmer your syrup with 2-3 cinnamon sticks. For a stronger cinnamon flavor, I recommend adding a dash of cinnamon right to your coffee instead.

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