Brown Sugar Simple Syrup for Coffee & Lattes

The easiest way to sweeten your favorite drinks at home is with this Brown Sugar Simple Syrup recipe. Made with just 3 ingredients in under 10 minutes, this syrup adds a caramel-like sweetness to coffee, lattes, iced drinks, and even cocktails!

Not only is this syrup quick to make, but it also keeps well in the fridge, so you can prep a batch ahead of time for week-long coffees, lattes, matchas, and more!

It's a simple way to have flavorful, coffee shop-inspired drinks ready whenever you want, whether it's a hot morning latte or a refreshing iced coffee.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this recipe:

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is granulated sugar that has the addition of molasses, which gives it that distinctive brown color and caramelized flavor. You can use dark or light brown sugar.

Water: Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.

Vanilla: The addition of vanilla complements the caramelized richness of the brown sugar.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Recipe

Not only is this syrup incredibly delicious, but it's also super easy to make.

The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Add the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a pan and whisk to combine.

Step 2: Bring to a slight boil and then immediately reduce to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Use however you like!

Substitutions & Variations

Spice it up by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.

Add a splash of maple syrup for a maple-infused flavor.

Add orange zest or a few slices of fresh orange for a citrusy flavor.

Serving Ideas

This homemade coffee syrup isn't just for lattes!

• Coffee & Lattes: Stir into hot or iced coffee and lattes for a caramel-like sweetness. Perfect in drinks like a brown sugar oat milk latte.
• Cocktails: Use it as a sweetener in whiskey, rum, or bourbon cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned.
• Boba & Bubble Tea: Add to homemade bubble tea.
• Oatmeal & Chia Pudding: Mix into oatmeal or chia pudding to sweeten breakfast or snacks.
• Yogurt & Smoothies: Swirl into yogurt, smoothie bowls, or vegan yogurt.

Tips & Tricks

Avoid boiling too vigorously, as this can cause the syrup to thicken too much or it might burn. You want to bring it to a slight boil and immediately reduce to a simmer.

Let the syrup cool completely at room temperature before using it in iced drinks. While it can be added directly to hot beverages, cooling it first prevents crystallization when poured over ice.

Storage

Store the syrup in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Keep it even longer by freezing it in a silicon ice cube tray.

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