Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

Name: Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 120 Ml Brown sugar; 120 Ml Water

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PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Sweet

Great for

Weekends

Difficulty

Easy

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Simple syrup is a vital ingredient in cocktail making. It adds sweetness and body, which enriches flavours and gives cocktails a smooth drinking experience. The regular version is sweet and straightforward, while brown sugar syrup is treacly and lingering. It melts into cocktails with all the smoothness of a Barry White number, adding layers of caramel, toffee, and vanilla. It’s an easy way to add depth to cocktails. With this recipe, you’ll be mixing up hit after hit.

QUICK TIPS

Heat the water enough to melt the sugar but don’t boil it.

Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Store your syrup in the fridge for up to a month.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

120 Ml

4 Oz

4 Parts

Brown sugar

120 Ml

4 Oz

4 Parts

Water

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the water in a small pan over low heat

Add the brown sugar and heat slowly while stirring to dissolve the sugar completely

Cool the syrup to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle with a lid

Store in the fridge for up to a month

How to use brown sugar syrup

This ingredient isn’t just for cocktails; it’s a versatile sweetener that can add depth and richness to many dishes and drinks. Here are some creative ways to use it:

Coffee and tea: Use it instead of your regular sugar to give your morning brew a caramelised, molasses-rich flavour. It’s particularly delightful in iced coffee and chai tea.
Pancakes and waffles: Drizzle it over your breakfast favourites instead of maple syrup for a unique twist.
Baking: Use it as a sweetener in cookies, cakes, and bread for a moist texture and deep flavour. It’s especially good in gingerbread and spice cakes.
Sauces and marinades: Add it to barbecue sauces, glazes, or marinades for meats to impart a sweet, smoky undertone.
Desserts: Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, yogurt, or fruit for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to store your syrup

Storing the syrup correctly is essential to keep it fresh and ready for use. Firstly, it should be kept in a clean, airtight container to prevent contamination and evaporation; glass jars with tight-fitting lids are an excellent choice for this purpose.

For optimal freshness, it should be stored in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a month. If you notice crystals forming in the syrup, you can gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the crystals dissolve, ensuring not to bring it to a boil.

Labelling the container with the date you made the syrup is a helpful way to track its freshness and ensure you use it within its best period.

Easy variations to try at home

Once you’ve mastered the basic brown sugar syrup, experimenting with flavours can be fun. Here are some easy variations:

Vanilla version: Add a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the syrup for a warm, aromatic flavour.
Cinnamon version: Simmer the syrup with a cinnamon stick for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with autumn drinks and desserts.
Citrus version: Add zest from an orange or lemon to the syrup for a bright, tangy twist.
Spiced version: Include whole spices like cloves, star anise, and nutmeg during the simmering process for a festive flavour, perfect for holiday cocktails and treats.

Also see: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktail Making

Try these cocktails with your DIY syrup

Making your own ingredients can elevate your cocktail game. Here are some must-try recipes:

Old Fashioned: Use instead if a sugar cube to add a richer, more complex sweetness to this classic cocktail.
Rum Punch: Enhance the tropical flavours with a dash of brown sugar syrup for added depth and sweetness.
Whisky Sour: Replace simple syrup with this syrup to give this sour cocktail a warm, caramel flavour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It's made by dissolving brown sugar in water, typically in a 1:1 ratio. The brown sugar, which is white sugar with added molasses, gives the syrup its rich, caramel-like flavour and dark colour. The mixture is heated until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a smooth, sweet syrup that's perfect for cocktails and other culinary uses.

It's made from natural sugar, so no, it's not an artificial sweetener.

It can last up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of mould or a smell of being off before use.

If your syrup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stove for a few more minutes. Be sure to stir constantly and monitor it to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water to the syrup and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.