Enhancing your morning coffee doesn’t require fancy equipment or heavy machinery. Instead, you can use simple recipes like brown sugar syrup to elevate your drink. Brown sugar syrup is a variation of simple syrup that has a deeper caramel and toffee-like flavor. But how do you make it?
To make brown sugar syrup: dissolve one-to-one water and brown sugar ratios in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a clean air-tight container and fully cool before storing.
Don’t feel intimidated if you’ve never made brown sugar simple syrup before. The recipe doesn’t require many ingredients and is straightforward to follow. We cover everything you need to know to take your coffee to the next level in the article below.
How is Brown Sugar Syrup Made?

Brown sugar syrup is a variation of simple syrup recipes that adds a richer flavor with hints of caramel and toffee. The liquid sweetener mixture is popular at chains like Starbucks but is incredibly easy to make at home.
All you need to make brown sugar simple syrup includes:
- 1 Cup of brown or dark brown sugar (on Amazon)
- 1 Cup of water
- Small saucepan or pot
- Stovetop
- Air-tight container, like a glass Mason Jar
Step 1: Dissolve the Brown Sugar in the Water
In a small saucepan or pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of brown sugar over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture frequently to dissolve the brown sugar and prevent it from boiling. Dissolving the sugar should take around 3-5 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use equal parts water and brown sugar if you want more or less of the recipe.
Step 2: Let the Mixture Cool and Bottle
After the brown sugar is completely dissolved, pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle or jar. Let the mixture cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
You can sterilize a glass bottle or jar by pouring boiling water into it while you prepare the simple brown sugar syrup. Then, pour out the water when your mixture is finished and transfer as normal.
Light Brown Sugar vs. Dark Brown Sugar: Which is Best?
Any brown sugar will create a simple syrup with a deeper caramel-like flavor. However, light and dark brown sugar will change the taste depending on what you use.
Light brown sugar creates a more toffee-like taste. Dark brown sugar will provide a rich, fuller, caramel-like flavor thanks to additional molasses. Each mixture will enhance your morning coffee, and the option you choose will depend on your preferences.
How Long Does Brown Sugar Syrup Last in the Fridge?
The simple syrup must be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge, regardless if you use white, brown, or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar syrup lasts 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the container, sterilization, and sugar ratio.
You can use a sealed glass jar like an old Mason Jar; sterilize it with boiling water beforehand. You can use other materials, like food-grade plastic, but they might affect the flavor of your syrup.
Regardless of the material, you’ll need to sterilize it ahead of time. Forgoing sterilization will affect the flavor and longevity of your syrup mixture.
How to Sterilize Glass Jars
Glass Mason jars and other air-tight containers are popular for storing simple syrup. However, you’ll want to sterilize glass jars ahead of time to remove harmful bacteria and preserve your mixture for longer. Here’s how:
- Place your open glass jars right-side-up in a large pot on the stove. Completely cover the jars with hot water. The water should come up one inch above the jars.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat and start timing once you have a full boil. Boil the glass jars for at least 10 minutes and turn off the heat.
- You can remove the jars with jar lifters or tongs. Drain the containers and set them aside to dry on a clean surface.
Alternatively, you can clean an air-tight plastic container with dish soap and hot water to sterilize it.
Which Coffee Beverages Does Brown Sugar Syrup Taste Best In?

Brown sugar syrup is versatile and adds toffee and caramel notes to any coffee drink. You can easily spice up your morning coffee by adding the mixture or make exciting drinks like the following:
- Iced Espresso
- Macchiato
- Iced Latte
- Iced Cappuccino
- Chai Tea Latte
- Coffee Soda
- Iced Coffee or French Press Coffee
- Cold Brew
- Hot Coffee drinks
You might add brown sugar syrup and cocoa powder to your macchiato to create a delicious Mocha Macchiato. Or add it to your cold brew alongside your preferred milk for a creamy, toffee-like morning beverage.
The versatility of this recipe is sure to transform your mornings and how you drink coffee.