Easy Demerara Syrup Recipe for Perfectly Sweetened Treats

There’s something magical about that first sip of an expertly crafted Old Fashioned cocktail, isn’t there? The rich amber glow, the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, and that distinctive caramel note that elevates it beyond ordinary. For years, I couldn’t quite nail that professional taste at home until I discovered the secret: a proper demerara syrup recipe. It completely transformed my home bartending game, and today I’m sharing this liquid gold recipe with you!

When I first started experimenting with craft cocktails at home, I used regular white sugar simple syrup. The drinks were good, but not great—something was missing. That deep, complex sweetness you get at upscale cocktail bars remained elusive until a bartender friend let me in on the professional secret: demerara sugar syrup is what makes the difference in those signature drinks.

Why You’ll Love This Demerara Syrup Recipe

This demerara syrup recipe isn’t just another ingredient to add to your pantry—it’s a game-changer for your beverage and dessert arsenal! Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator:

• Rich, Complex Flavor: Unlike plain simple syrup, demerara syrup carries notes of toffee, molasses, and caramel that add incredible depth to drinks and desserts.
• Incredibly Versatile: Perfect for cocktails (especially that old fashioned recipe with demerara syrup!), coffee drinks, dessert drizzles, and more.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own is dramatically cheaper than buying specialty syrups.
• Customizable: Once you master the basic recipe, you can infuse it with spices, herbs, or citrus for endless variations.
• Gift-Worthy: Pour it into a pretty bottle, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift for the foodies in your life.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating an artisanal ingredient from scratch that would cost you $15+ at a specialty store. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For this simple yet transformative demerara syrup recipe, you’ll need just two main ingredients:

• 1 cup demerara sugar (sometimes labeled “turbinado” or “raw sugar”)
• 1 cup filtered water

Optional flavor enhancers:

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 strip of orange peel
• 1⁄2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

When shopping for demerara sugar, look for those gorgeous, large amber crystals that glisten in light. It should have a natural toffee aroma even before cooking. The quality of your sugar really matters here—this is one recipe where the main ingredient truly shines through!

Timing

• Prep time: 2 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 42 minutes (but only 12 minutes of active work!)

This demerara simple syrup recipe takes about 60% less active time than many flavored commercial syrups would require, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself to a special cocktail.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the demerara sugar and water. If you’re using any optional flavor enhancers, add them now.

“I like to gently swirl the pan rather than stir at this stage—it helps prevent sugar crystals from sticking to the sides of the pan,” I always tell my workshop students.

Step 2: Heat the Mixture

Set the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Don’t rush this process with high heat—a slower warming allows the demerara’s complex flavors to fully release.

You’ll notice the gorgeous amber sugar crystals gradually dissolving, creating that beautiful caramel-colored liquid that makes an old fashioned recipe with demerara syrup so spectacular.

Step 3: Simmer and Stir

Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring gently with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon.

The syrup is ready when all sugar crystals have completely dissolved, and the mixture has a slightly thickened, glossy appearance. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously—we’re making syrup, not candy!

Step 4: Cool and Strain

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. If you’ve added spices or citrus peels, leave them to steep as the syrup cools—this is where the magic happens!

Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container. I love using swing-top bottles or mason jars for proper storage.

For similar recipes check the Drinks and Appetizers category

Cooking Tips

Making demerara syrup might be simple, but there are a few pro tips I’ve learned through countless batches that make the difference between good and exceptional results:

• Watch the heat: If the syrup boils too hard, it can crystallize or turn into caramel (delicious, but not what we’re going for here!)
• Equal parts ratio is standard, but try a “rich syrup” variation by using 2 parts sugar to 1 part water for a more decadent result.
• Add a tiny pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon) to enhance the complex flavors—this is my secret weapon!
• For cocktail enthusiasts: Add 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) of high-proof neutral spirit like vodka to the cooled syrup to extend its shelf life.

I once made the mistake of thinking “more sugar must be better” and created an overly thick syrup that was impossible to pour. Trust me on the ratios here!

A Tale of Cocktail Salvation

Last winter, I invited friends over for a cozy cocktail night, promising them the best Old Fashioned they’d ever tasted. In typical Olivia fashion, I realized mid-preparation that I was out of my fancy store-bought cocktail syrup. Panic mode? Activated!

With guests arriving in 30 minutes, I frantically searched my pantry and found an unopened bag of demerara sugar I’d bought for holiday baking. A quick Google search, some hurried measuring, and 15 minutes later, I had created my first batch of demerara syrup.

The funny part? My friends raved about those Old Fashioneds all night, demanding to know which “artisanal syrup” I’d splurged on. Their faces when I revealed it was homemade with just two ingredients? Priceless! Sometimes, our kitchen “emergencies” lead to the best discoveries.

Nutritional Information

While we’re not necessarily making demerara syrup for its nutritional benefits (let’s be honest!), it’s still helpful to understand what’s in it:

• Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per tablespoon
• Carbohydrates: About 15g per tablespoon (all from sugar)

Demerara sugar does retain more of its natural molasses than white sugar, containing small amounts of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. While not significant enough to make health claims, it’s a minor nutritional upgrade from regular simple syrup made with white sugar, according to research on minimally processed sweeteners.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re watching your sugar intake but still want that distinctive flavor:

• Monk Fruit Blend: Try a 50/50 blend of demerara sugar and monk fruit sweetener for 50% fewer calories.
• Erythritol Experiment: Some craft bartenders have successfully created a lower-calorie version using brown erythritol with a few drops of molasses for authentic flavor.
• Low-Sugar Version: Make a more diluted version (1 part sugar to 2 parts water) and use more sparingly.

Remember that alternative sweeteners may change how the syrup behaves and its shelf stability, so adjust expectations accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile demerara syrup recipe extends far beyond just cocktails! Here are my favorite ways to use this liquid gold:

For Beverages:

• Classic Old Fashioned cocktail (the quintessential old fashioned recipe with demerara syrup)
• Manhattan with a demerara twist
• Cold brew coffee sweetener
• Upgrade for homemade lemonades and iced teas
• Hot toddies and winter warmers

For Food:

• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles
• Brush onto grilling fruits for caramelization
• Incorporate into bread pudding or French toast soaking mixture
• Add to banana bread batter for moisture and flavor
• Use as a glaze for ham or bacon

I keep a small bottle in my office for afternoon coffee—it makes me feel like I’m having a coffeehouse treat at my desk!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple demerara syrup recipe comes with a few potential pitfalls:

• Stirring too vigorously: This can cause crystallization on the sides of the pot.
• Using the wrong sugar: Regular brown sugar isn’t the same—it doesn’t have the large crystals and unique flavor profile of true demerara.
• Cooking too long: This isn’t caramel—we just want the sugar dissolved, not caramelized.
• Skipping the straining step: Even without added flavors, straining removes any impurities.
• Using reactive cookware: Aluminum or copper can sometimes impart metallic notes—stick with stainless steel.

My first batch crystallized because I kept fiddling with it—this syrup rewards a hands-off approach once it’s simmering!

Storing & Reheating Tips

Your homemade demerara syrup deserves proper storage to maintain its quality:

• Refrigeration: Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
• Freezing: Pour into ice cube trays for perfect cocktail portions, then transfer frozen cubes to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Shelf stability: Adding a splash of high-proof alcohol (like vodka) can extend refrigerator life to 2-3 months.
• Signs of spoilage: Cloudiness, off smells, or mold growth means it’s time to make a fresh batch.

If your syrup gets too thick in the refrigerator, simply place the container in warm water for a few minutes before using, or add a tiny splash of hot water and shake to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is demerara simple syrup recipe different from regular simple syrup?

Demerara simple syrup recipe uses raw demerara sugar instead of white granulated sugar, giving it a deeper, more complex flavor with notes of toffee, caramel, and subtle molasses. It has a beautiful amber color and brings richness to cocktails that regular simple syrup can’t match. Think of it as the difference between white bread and artisanal whole grain—both are bread, but the experience is entirely different!

What’s the best way to use demerara syrup in an Old Fashioned?

For the perfect old fashioned recipe with demerara syrup, use 1/4 oz (about 1-1/2 teaspoons) of demerara syrup in place of a sugar cube and plain simple syrup. Combine with 2 dashes of bitters and 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, add ice, stir for about 20 seconds, and garnish with an orange twist. The demerara syrup adds complementary caramel notes that enhance the whiskey’s natural flavor profile without overwhelming it.

How can I infuse my demerara syrup with other flavors?

The possibilities are endless! To infuse the syrup with warm spice, toss in 2–3 cinnamon sticks while it simmers. For a spiced version, add star anise, cloves, and cardamom. Citrus versions work beautifully with wide strips of orange or lemon peel (avoiding the bitter white pith). For each addition, let the ingredients steep as the syrup cools to room temperature before straining. According to culinary flavor pairing science, demerara sugar pairs particularly well with warming spices and citrus oils.

Final Thoughts

This demerara syrup recipe has become my not-so-secret weapon for elevating everything from morning coffee to sophisticated evening cocktails. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating such a versatile ingredient from scratch—knowing exactly what’s in it and customizing it to your preferences.

What begins as a humble two-ingredient mixture transforms into a complex, amber elixir that adds depth and character to whatever it touches. Whether you’re crafting the perfect old fashioned or looking to add a special touch to weekend pancakes, this demerara syrup will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

I’d love to hear how you use your homemade demerara syrup! Drop me a comment below with your favorite applications or any creative variations you’ve discovered. Happy stirring, friends!

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