Brown Sugar Simple Syrup (Vegan Friendly)

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Brown Sugar Simple Syrup is a rich, caramel-like syrup made with just two ingredients. Perfect for adding depth to coffee, tea, mocktails, and more. Naturally vegan and ready in minutes!

A bitters jar of brown sugar simple syrup with two brown sugar oat milk lattes.

After making my own brown sugar at home, I knew I had to turn it into a syrup!

This syrup has quickly become a favorite - it adds just a bit of something extra to coffee, matcha, lemonade, and sodas!

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Why You'll Love This Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Step-By-Step Instructions
Serving Suggestions
FAQ & Expert Tips
Recipe Prayer
More homemade vegan syrups & drinks
Tried this recipe?
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A bitters bottle full of brown sugar simple syrup.

Why You'll Love This Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Vegan & Refined Sugar-Free Option - Made with vegan brown sugar, or use coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free version
Rich & Flavorful - has a deeper, molasses-like flavor compared to a regular simple syrup
Versatile - Use it in lattes, iced teas, mocktails, and lemonade
Quick & Easy - Just two ingredients and five minutes on the stove.

Three jars of different simple syrup flavors on a table.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Brown Sugar: to make this brown sugar simple syrup vegan, be sure to use a vegan-friendly brown sugar. I like to make my own brown sugar (it takes 5 minutes and is WAY cheaper) to ensure I have vegan sugar. But any brown sugar will work.
Water
Vanilla Extract: optional - I typically don't add this, but vanilla does add some depth to the syrup. If adding vanilla, wait until you turn off the heat to stir it in to avoid cooking off the alcohol

Pro Tip: Use dark brown sugar for a more pronounced caramel flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1. Add the sugar and water to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool before transferring to a mason jar or air tight container. Store in the fridge.

Brown sugar simple syrup step 1 - mix and heat the ingredients

Pro Tip: Don't heat for too long or the syrup may thicken too much once cooled. Once the sugar is dissolved, the syrup is done!

Serving Suggestions

Great in iced coffee, cold brew, matcha, tea, mocktails, lemonade, or brushed over baked goods for extra shine.

A pitcher of brown sugar lemonade surrounded by fresh lemons.

FAQ & Expert Tips

What's the difference between brown sugar and white sugar syrup?

If you hear simple syrup, this is referring to syrup made with white sugar.

Brown sugar adds a richer, deeper flavor thanks to the molasses content. Try it in something you'd usually use regular simple syrup for and you'll taste the difference!

Can I make this sugar-free?

Try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. I do not recommend using date sugar here.

For a fruit sweetened version, use date syrup, and follow the instructions for my maple simple syrup recipe.

How long does brown sugar simple syrup last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to a month.

Should I use light or dark brown sugar?

Either sugar is fine. The dark brown sugar will provide a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Light brown sugar will be more in-between with a caramel flavor that's still closer to regular white sugar simple syrup.

A jar of brown sugar simple syrup with a few brown sugar oat milk lattes.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for the beautiful and delicious flavors we can make at home. Thank you for this syrup, allow it to give our bodies energy. Amen.

More homemade vegan syrups & drinks

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