Brown Sugar Simple Syrup for Coffee {Starbucks Inspired}

This easy Starbucks Inspired Brown Sugar Syrup is rich, with a caramel flavor and a hint of cinnamon. You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this brown sugar simple syrup, and it can be added to your favorite coffee drinks and lattes for a sweet, rich flavor!

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Ingredients 

This coffee simple syrup is made with just 3 simple ingredients. This recipe uses a classic syrup ratio- equal parts sugar and water. To make it, you’ll need the following:

• Light Brown Sugar

• Water

• Cinnamon Sticks

Substitutions & Add Ins

• Brown Sugar: If you’d like a lighter syrup or less of a ‘caramel’ flavor, you can use half brown sugar and half white sugar. You could also use dark brown sugar or coconut sugar for a more intense caramel flavor. The type of brown sugar you use plays a part in the unique flavor of the syrup.

• Cinnamon Sticks: If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can add ½ tsp of ground cinnamon to the syrup while it simmers. Be sure to strain the mixture through a very fine metal sieve after simmering to remove any large granules of cinnamon. 

• Vanilla Extract: For a vanilla aroma, add a vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the syrup after it simmers.

• Pinch of Salt: Feel free to add a bit of salt to balance the sweet brown sugar taste.

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Step-by-step Instructions

☕️ *Ingredient Quantities are in the Recipe Card Below!*

Stovetop Instructions (preferred method):

STEP 1: Mix together the brown sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks (or use 1 cinnamon stick for a very subtle cinnamon flavor).

STEP 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the brown sugar has dissolved. 

STEP 3: Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The syrup will still be quite liquidy when hot.

STEP 4: Remove from the heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes until it’s easier to handle.

Once cooler to the touch, remove the cinnamon sticks and pour the syrup into a heat-proof airtight glass container. 

📌 TIP: You can use a funnel if you have one, but it isn’t necessary. If you don’t have a funnel, pour the syrup into a glass measuring cup and then use the pour spout on the measuring cup to pour the syrup into your storage container.

Microwave Instructions

STEP 1: In a microwave-safe measuring cup (with at least a 3-cup capacity), combine the brown sugar, hot water, and the 2 cinnamon sticks.

STEP 2: Microwave the mixture on high for 2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and to ensure that the sugar is dissolving. Then, microwave the mixture again on high for 1 minute, or until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.

STEP 3: Remove the measuring cup from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, remove the cinnamon sticks from the syrup and transfer the syrup to a glass bottle or container.

Note: cooking times will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. Keep an eye on the syrup as it cooks and stir it occasionally so that it doesn’t boil over or overcook and burn.

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Using the Syrup

Use 1-2 tablespoons of this syrup (to taste of course) in your favorite drinks (or even in applications that call for a liquid sweetener)!

You can add it to hot coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, iced tea, lattes, cappuccinos, or even to desserts like ice cream. 

And of course, you can absolutely use this syrup to make an iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso! Mix this simple syrup recipe with two shots of espresso and shake with ice to cool everything down. Then, pour over fresh ice and oat milk!

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: store the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

📌 TIP: Allow the syrup to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from crystallizing.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from going bad prematurely. 

Keep in mind, as the syrup cools it will become thicker!

If stored properly, the syrup can last a pretty long time in the fridge. For the best results:

• Clean and sterilize the jar prior to filling
• Tightly close the lid

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More Coffee & Tea Recipes

• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Gingerbread Chai Tea Latte
• Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
• Vanilla Iced Coffee
• Hazelnut Shaken Espresso

More Simple Syrups for Coffee

• Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• Strawberry Simple Syrup
• Starbucks Vanilla Syrup
• Hazelnut Simple Syrup for Coffee
• Toasted Pecan Syrup
• Peppermint Mocha Syrup

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