Demerara syrup is a 1:1 ratio made of demerara sugar and water. This simple syrup recipe is typically used in cocktails such as old fashioned cocktails, along with coffee, baking, and dessert toppings. Here's what it and how to make and use it.
Demerara syrup is a beautifully created caramel colored simple syrup to add to cocktails with molasses content and milder flavor.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Demerara syrup is so easy to make and comes together in 5 minutes with a 1:1 ratio of 2 ingredients.
- This simple syrup adds lovely caramel notes to bourbon whiskey drinks. To sweeten cocktails, try adding it in a Skinny Black Tea Cocktail and Spiked Eggnog, and any other favorite demerara sugar old fashioned cocktails.
- This dark sugar water recipe also works as an alternative to maple syrup in baking. 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.
What is demerara sugar?
Demerara Sugar is a natural, raw sugar that comes from cane sugar without further refining. It is light brown in color 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 sugar 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.
Is demerara the same as brown sugar?
Demerara sugar and brown sugar, while sharing similarities, are not exactly the same. Demerara sugar is a minimally processed, light brown sugar with large crystals and a mild toffee-like flavor, derived from retaining some natural molasses during production.
Brown sugar, on the other hand, is a more generic term that can refer to different sugar varieties with added molasses, presenting a softer texture and a richer, more varied molasses flavor.
The choice between them in recipes depends on the desired flavor, texture, and sweetness level. Demerara is often chosen for its distinct crunch and subtle sweetness, while brown sugar, especially dark brown, is favored for its deeper molasses profile in baking and cooking.
Substitute for demerara syrup
Turbino sugar can be substituted for demarara syrup, although demerara 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 turbinado sugar to make Grenadine Syrup for our Shirley Temple Drinks.
How to use demerara syrup
Demerara syrup, made from demerara sugar, can add a rich and nuanced sweetness to various beverages and culinary creations. Here are a few ways to use demerara syrup:
Drinks
- Cocktails: Demerara syrup is a popular ingredient in cocktails, adding a distinctive sweetness. It pairs well with dark barrel-aged spirits like aged rum, whiskey, and brandy. Use it in classics like Old Fashioned, Mai Tai, or as a sweetener in various cocktail recipes like a splash in a Green Tea Shot.
- Iced Coffee or Tea: Enhance the flavor of your iced coffee or tea by stirring in some demerara syrup. Its toffee-like notes can complement the earthy tones of coffee or the robust flavors of certain teas. Try it in Golden Milk Tea for extra sweetness.
- Mocktails: Create non-alcoholic beverages with a depth of flavor by incorporating demerara syrup. Mix it with fruit juices, soda water, or other non-alcoholic bases for a sweet and sophisticated twist like a Shirley Temple Drink.
Food
- Desserts: Use demerara syrup as a drizzle over desserts like gluten-free pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Its rich flavor can elevate the sweetness of these breakfast treats.
- Baking: Include demerara syrup in your baking recipes for an extra layer of flavor. It works well in cookies, cakes, and other baked goods, providing a unique sweetness that differs from regular simple syrup.
- Culinary Glazes: Brush demerara syrup onto grilled sirloin steak, meats or roasted vegetables like Roasted Brussels Sprouts to create a flavorful glaze. Its caramel undertones can add a deliciously complex sweetness to savory dishes.
Remember to start with a small amount of demerara syrup and adjust to taste, as its flavor is more robust than regular simple syrup. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your kitchen, providing a unique sweetness that can enhance a wide range of culinary creations.
How to store simple syrup
Storing simple syrup properly is crucial to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage. Here are steps on how to store simple syrup:
- Cooling: Allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a storage container. This helps prevent condensation inside the container.
- Choose the Right Container: Use a clean, airtight container for storing simple syrup. Glass bottles like these (affiliate link) with a tight-fitting lid work well.
- Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store simple syrup in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can lead to spoilage. It will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
- Labeling: Clearly label the container with the date of preparation. This makes it easier to track the syrup's freshness and ensure you use it within a reasonable timeframe.
- Freezing (Optional): If you've made a larger batch and won't use it within a few weeks, consider freezing the simple syrup. Pour it into an ice cube tray for convenient portioning. Thaw as needed.
Recipe ingredients
Please see the recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions found at the bottom of the post.
- Demerara sugar: this is the main sugar for demerara syrup. You can find it online or at some grocery stores.
- Water: Use filtered drinking water.
- Optional to add a splash of vodka or Everclear to preserve in order to 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.
Making demerera syrup
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
This simple demerara syrup is made of water and demerara sugar, a raw caramel colored sugar with a slight molasses caramel flavor.
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.
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.
More syrup recipes
Cocktails and drinks you may enjoy
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Demerara Syrup Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Demerara sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- 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 (or ½ ounce) to extend the shelf life.
Notes
- 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.
- Demerara syrup 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 whiskey or rum, and tropical Tiki drinks where these spirits are used in cocktails.
- Turbinado sugar can be substituted for demerara sugar.
Nutrition
Images used with permission from iStock by Getty Images.
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