The Best Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe Copycat

Brown sugar syrup is basically a simple syrup that uses brown sugar instead of white sugar. Because of the sticky moisture that comes with brown sugar, this delicious syrup has a rich molasses-like flavor that is perfect with your favorite coffee drinks.

Starbucks first introduced it in their brown sugar shaken espresso a couple years ago, and it has been a hit ever since!

Since you are here and love a Starbucks copycat recipe, check out this Starbucks' Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso Recipe, this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Recipe, or this Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato Recipe.

This is the Best Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe!

This recipe stands out due to its ability to recreate the rich and authentic flavor found in Starbucks beverages. One of its key strengths lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients, making it easy for anyone to replicate in the comfort of their own home.

This simple syrup recipe goes beyond just a sweetener for coffee. Whether drizzling it over pancakes, mixing it into cocktails, or incorporating it into desserts, the versatility of this syrup adds a touch to a variety of dishes.

Ingredients for this Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Brown Sugar: We will be using dark brown sugar in this particular recipe. But you can honestly use whatever you have.
• Water: Make sure to use clean, filtered water for a better taste.
• Salt: is used to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor. 
• Vanilla: This adds an extra depth of flavor to your syrup.
• Cinnamon (Optional): This will add an extra flavor to the simple syrup and give you a similar taste to the Starbucks version. Use cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick if you have one.

How to Make the Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Put all of the main ingredients into a small saucepan over medium heat. 
2. Heat and stir the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves. 
3. Reduce the heat, then allow the syrup to sit at a simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the stove and allow it to cool before transferring the syrup to a glass jar.

Helpful Tip

When transferring it from the saucepan to the jar, use a funnel for better aim and less mess. If you don't have a funnel, pour the syrup from the saucepan to a measuring cup first, then the jar. It will be much easier to handle this way.

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• It only requires a couple simple ingredients that you probably already have.
• It's a great way to add unique flavors to a classic simple syrup.
• Use this in a normal iced coffee or iced tea to transform it into something special!
• Skip a trip to the coffee shop and make your favorite Starbucks coffee at home!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How to Store this Starbucks Brown Sugar Simple Syrup?

To store this syrup, put it in an airtight container such as a mason jar. Once it has fully cooled to room temperature, put it in the fridge. It should have a shelf life for up to 3 weeks. 

How Can I Use this Brown Sugar Syrup?

• Coffee: is the most obvious option. Brew yourself a couple espresso shots and have it in your hot coffee. Or use cold brew coffee if you're craving cold beverages.
• Milk Tea: Make a delicious brown sugar bubble tea by adding boba tapioca pearls, cubes of ice, and this flavorful syrup to your milk tea.
• Cocktails: Simple syrup is a common ingredient in mixed cocktails. Include this brown sugar version in your cocktail shaker to add a unique flavor to your relaxing refreshment.
• Breakfast: Skip the maple syrup on your pancakes, waffles, or French toast and try this instead!

What Flavor Variations Can I Make to this Delicious Brown Sugar Syrup?

The best part about making this Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup recipe at home is the fact that you can alter it any way you want! Here are a couple of my favorite ways to switch it up:

• Apple Brown Sugar Syrup: For a syrup that tastes like a freshly baked apple pie, replace one half of the amount of water in the recipe with spiced apple cider. This would especially go well on breakfast dishes, including oatmeal.
• Spices: Play around with your favorite spices in this brown sugar syrup to make a spiced brown sugar syrup for your coffees and cocktails.

My Syrup is Too Watery, What Do I Do?

For a thicker syrup, simply leave the syrup in the pan over the heat for a few extra minutes. This will help excess water evaporate and allow your syrup to be more viscous.

I Don't Have Much Time, Can I Make This in the Microwave?

You actually can!

Put the ingredients into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave the mixture for two or three 1-minute intervals, stirring in between each time. You will want to keep a close eye on it so it the sugar doesn't burn, but you should get close to the same result. As previously mentioned, let it cool before transferring, and be careful with the process.

The Best Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe Copycat