Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

It takes 3 ingredients and about 25 minutes to make brown sugar simple syrup.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Brown Sugar: When making brown sugar simple syrup, you can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, depending on your flavor preferences and the desired richness of the syrup. Both types of brown sugar are made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, with dark brown sugar containing more molasses than light brown sugar.
  • Light Brown Sugar has a milder flavor and is often used when a subtle caramel note is desired without overpowering other flavors. Light brown sugar is a good choice if you want a more neutral sweetness in your simple syrup.
  • Dark Brown Sugar has a stronger, more intense molasses flavor due to the higher molasses content. Dark brown sugar can add a deeper, more robust taste to your simple syrup. It’s a great option if you want a richer and more complex sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sticks: We prefer to use cinnamon sticks to make simple syrup since they can be easily removed and don’t leave a residue or grittiness in the syrup that ground cinnamon can leave if not filtered well. If you only have ground cinnamon available, you can still use it, but be sure to strain the syrup thoroughly to remove any residue. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and the potency of the cinnamon you’re using.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: To enhance the depth and complexity of the cinnamon flavor in your brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup, consider toasting the cinnamon sticks before adding them to the syrup. Toasting cinnamon helps release the essential oils and intensifies the spice’s aroma.

1. Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
2. Let the Simple Syrup Cool: Remove the simple syrup from the heat and allow it to cool. Once it has cooled, strain out the cinnamon sticks. Transfer the simple syrup into a bottle or jar, using a funnel if needed.

How to Use Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Using brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup is a delicious way to infuse warmth and sweetness into a variety of beverages and dishes.

• In cocktails: Add it to your favorite cocktails, like an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, to turn them into festive holiday-inspired drinks. It’s a key ingredient in our apple cider whiskey sour.
• In coffee or tea: Drizzle the syrup into your coffee or tea to create a comforting beverage that perfectly complements the season.
• In desserts: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, crêpes, ice cream, or a fall-inspired milkshake.
• In glazes: Use it as a glaze for chicken, pork, or vegetables.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• The brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup can be stored in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil, as this will cause the sugar to crystallize.
• If you want a thicker syrup, use twice as much brown sugar as water. If you want a lighter syrup, use two-thirds as much brown sugar and water.

Frequently Asked Questions