Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup

This copycat Starbucks brown sugar syrup is super simple and super delicious. The rich, deep molasses flavor is sweetly scented with cinnamon. You’ll love adding this brown sugar simple syrup to everything! 

Simple syrup is usually just two ingredients: sugar and water.

But you can get creative by adding just a few more unique flavors!

This brown sugar simple syrup has a deep, rich flavor from the molasses in the brown sugar. The sweet cinnamon becomes infused throughout and gives you a warm, homey (free of preservatives!) syrup.

That means with just a few simple ingredients; you coffee lovers can make delicious syrup for your favorite drinks! I think it’s fun to cosplay baristas making overly large cold beverages. It makes the morning just a little bit more fun.

My favorite way to use this syrup is in coffee drinks, like my homemade iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso. It’s a great way to make your homemade coffee taste like the stuff from the coffee shop, but you get to save a few bucks!

This copycat syrup tastes excellent in freshly brewed iced tea or over your favorite ice cream.

You’re going to love using this homemade Starbucks recipe!

Ingredients for brown sugar simple syrup recipe

• Water – We need water to help loosen the syrup’s consistency so the sugar doesn’t burn.
• Brown sugar – This sugar adds a deep molasses flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract helps bring all the flavors together and adds sweetness.
• Cinnamon stick – The cinnamon stick adds warmth and spice to our syrup, making it cozy and delicious.

How to make copycat Starbucks brown sugar syrup

Making brown sugar syrup is super easy! 

1. Ensure you have a clean jar or squeeze bottle to put your finished syrup in. A funnel is a great tool that makes pouring the syrup into containers easy and mess-free.
2. Combine the water, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan over medium heat. You can stir this a little to combine the water and the sugar, but you do not need to stir this the entire time.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves (if it looks cloudy, there are still sugar granules, so keep simmering) and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely. To speed up the process, you could put it in a large bowl of ice water and stir vigorously for 5 minutes. This will cool the mixture quickly! 
5. Remove the cinnamon stick, and pour the mixture into your container of choice. I recommend either a mason jar or a squeeze bottle. 

Drinks to use this syrup

If you make delicious brown sugar syrup, using it in delicious drinks is only fitting! I’m giving you ideas for everything from hot coffee, hot chocolate, and iced coffee to cocktails!

• Homemade Iced Brown Sugar OatMilk Shaken Espresso
• Maple Whipped Coffee
• Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte
• Eggnog Martini
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Using ground cinnamon

If you don’t have a cinnamon stick, add 1/2-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Can I use different sugar?

I would not recommend white sugar for this recipe because we rely on that deep, molasses flavor that only comes from brown sugar. 

You could use either dark brown or light brown sugar for this recipe. But remember, light brown sugar has less molasses, so that rich, dark flavor will be less than it would be if you used dark brown sugar. 

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe easily doubles and triples. 

Storage for brown sugar simple syrup 

This syrup can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container, clean jar with a lid, or squeeze bottle. 

More copycat Starbucks recipes

• Craving a sweet drink easily made at home? Try my Homemade Starbucks Pink Drink.
• Love fall-flavored drinks? Try my Apple Crisp Macchiato.
• Need pumpkin spice all year round? Try my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Coffee.
• Use this homemade simple syrup right in this recipe! Try my Homemade Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso.