Simple syrup is a vital ingredient in cocktail making. It adds sweetness and body, which enriches flavors and gives cocktails a smooth drinking experience. Regular simple syrup is sweet and to the point, 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, and with this brown sugar syrup recipe, you’ll mix up hit after hit.
Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Heat the water in a small pan over low heat
02
Add the brown sugar and heat slowly, while stirring to dissolve the sugar completely
03
Cool the syrup to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle with a lid
04
Store in the fridge for up to a month
Brown sugar syrup uses
Brown sugar syrup 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: Swap your regular sugar for brown sugar syrup to give your morning brew a caramelized, molasses-rich flavor. It’s particularly delightful in iced coffee and chai tea.
- Pancakes and waffles: Drizzle it over your breakfast favorites 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 flavor. 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.
Read next: The Complete Guide to Simple Syrups
How to store your syrup
Storing brown sugar 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, the syrup 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 while stirring until the crystals dissolve, ensuring not to bring it to a boil.
Labeling 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 flavors can be fun and rewarding. Here are some easy variations:
- Vanilla brown sugar syrup: Add a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the syrup for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cinnamon brown sugar syrup: Simmer the syrup with a cinnamon stick for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with fall drinks and desserts.
- Citrus brown sugar syrup: Add zest from an orange or lemon to the syrup for a bright, tangy twist.
- Spiced brown sugar syrup: Include whole spices like cloves, star anise, and nutmeg during the simmering process for a festive flavor, perfect for holiday cocktails and treats.
Also see: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktail Making
Try these cocktails with your DIY syrup
Brown sugar syrup can elevate your cocktail game. Here are some must-try recipes:
- Old Fashioned: Swap out the regular sugar cube for brown sugar syrup to add a richer, more complex sweetness to this classic cocktail.
- Rum Punch: Enhance the tropical flavors with a dash of brown sugar syrup for added depth and sweetness.
- Whiskey Sour: Replace simple syrup with brown sugar syrup to give this sour cocktail a warm, caramel flavor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Brown sugar syrup is 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 flavor and dark color. The mixture is heated until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a smooth, sweet syrup that's perfect for cocktails and other culinary uses.
Brown sugar syrup is made from natural sugar, so it is not an artificial sweetener.
Homemade brown sugar syrup can last up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of mold or off smells before use.
If your brown sugar 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.
