Demerara simple syrup is made of demerara sugar, a raw caramel colored sugar with molasses content and milder flavor. This syrup recipe is perfect for old fashioned cocktails, coffee, baking, and dessert toppings.
Why this recipe works
+ This rich demerara syrup is so easy to make and much cheaper than store-bought! It comes together in 5 minutes with a 1:1 ratio of 2 ingredients!
+ It is a dark sugar water made of demerara sugar, a natural sugar that is made without further refining, making it a healthier simple syrup recipe than those made with white sugar (like homemade hummingbird food).
+Not only does it add sweetness, it adds beautiful caramel notes to bourbon whiskey drinks like this Skinny Black Tea Cocktail, Spiked Eggnog, and any other favorite demerara sugar old fashioned cocktails!
+ Use this demerara sugar syrup recipe as an alternative to maple syrup! Just know it provides a stronger flavor resembling caramel and molasses, making it great for pancakes, coffee, and adding a splash into gluten-free cornbread muffins. It also works well for savory recipes too!
Ingredients for this simple syrup recipe
- Demerara sugar: this is the main sugar for demerara syrup. You can find it online here or at some grocery stores.
- Water: Use filtered drinking water.
- Optional to add a splash of vodka to preserve and make the sugar syrup last longer.
You can create flavor variations into it by adding vanilla extract, cloves, orange peel, cinnamon and/or nutmeg. Play around a bit with your favorite essence.
How to make this demerara syrup recipe
In a small saucepan on the stove heat on medium-high equal ratios of demerara sugar and water for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from the heat and let it cool. Store it in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Additionally you can add a splash of vodka to extend the shelf life.
What is demerara sugar?
Demerara Sugar is a natural, raw sugar that comes from cane sugar without further refining. It is light brown colored with an appearance of coarse crystals that have a unique aroma and taste. It has a crunchy texture making it perfect to top on desserts and baked goods. Demerara dissolves well into a thick syrup consistency enhancing drinks with caramel, toffee and molasses notes.
Where can you buy demerara sugar? You can order demerara sugar online (affiliate link) from Amazon. It is also available in some grocery stores.
Demerara sugar vs. turbinado sugar
Demerara syrup has its own distinct taste from that of turbinado simple syrup. The two sugars appear very similar. Demerara simple syrup is more intense in caramel and molasses flavor, and turbinado is not as strong. Using turbinado in place of demerara works perfectly fine in equal amounts. Turbinado has a slight caramel taste and similar crystals and is still less processed than pure cane sugar. We use turnino sugar to make Grenadine Syrup for our Shirley Temple Drinks.
Where to use Demerara syrup in drinks
Demerara simple syrup tends to work best in certain drinks than others. It can be used where simple syrup is called, but pairs well with any wood-aged spirits that often have caramel flavors too. Use demerara syrup with mixers, whiskey or rum, and tropical Tiki drinks where these spirits are used in cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is demerara syrup the same thing as simple syrup?
Yes, demerara syrup is the same thing as simple syrup. The only difference is the type of sugar used is demerara sugar rather than white sugar. It is raw less refined sugar and has an intense molasses and caramel flavor.
Is demerara sugar the same thing as brown sugar?
Demerara sugar is not the same thing as brown sugar, although it looks very similar. Brown sugar is processed cane sugar with molasses added back in to give it that dark color. Demerara sugar is only slightly processed with more intense flavor.
What is demerara syrup made of?
This simple demerara syrup is made of water and demerara sugar, a raw caramel colored sugar with a slight molasses caramel flavor.
What can I substitute for demerara syrup?
Turbinado sugar. Turbinado sugar makes a perfectly acceptable substitute for demerara syrup. It has similar crystals and a slight caramel taste like that of demerara sugar.
Should Demerara syrup be refrigerated?
We suggest demerara syrup should be refrigerated for up to 1 month to be safe. You can also add a splash of vodka, or ½ ounce to extend the shelf life.
Cocktails and drinks to enjoy
- Grenadine Syrup
- Spiked Eggnog
- Homemade Apple Cider
- Loquat Orange Cocktail
- Green Tea Shot
- Moscow Mule
tasty caramel flavored recipes
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