Demerara Syrup (a variation of simple syrup) is made with demerara sugar and has a rich, sweet, caramel and molasses flavor. It will add a bit of complexity and depth to anything that you're drinking.
Looking for more syrup recipes? Try my Honey Syrup and Irish Cream Syrup recipes!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
It will add rich, sweet flavor to your drinks. The caramel and toffee flavors of this syrup will add some complexity and depth to whatever you’re drinking.
It only requires two ingredients and a few minutes' time. Couldn't be simpler!
It's an easy way to elevate a regular simple syrup. If you can simmer water, you can make this syrup. It's exactly as easy as making a regular simple syrup, but this is an easy way to turn things up a notch.
What is Demerara Syrup?
Demerara syrup is a simple syrup that is made from Demerara sugar (instead of white granulated sugar) and water. Thanks to the darker sugar, the syrup also has a darker, almost maple syrup-y appearance.
That darker color comes with more flavor, too. The higher molasses content of demerara sugar brings with it rich caramel-y and toffee flavors.
What is demerara sugar?
Demerara sugar is a partially refined, raw cane sugar with large, coarse, crunchy, golden-brown crystals and a distinct caramel or toffee flavor. Both the color and flavor come from the higher molasses content of the sugar. It's similar in appearance to turbinado sugar, but is more molasses-y in flavor and has grains that are slightly larger in size than turbinado. See the photo below for how demerara stacks up in comparison to turbinado, light brown, and dark brown sugars in appearance.
It originates from what was once the British colony of Demerara, now named Guyana. You can find it pretty readily in both the United States and the United Kingdom, though its presence may vary by region.
Ingredients
You only need two ingredients to make this syrup! See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Demerara sugar: You can very likely find some Demerara sugar at your local grocery store. If not, take a peek on Amazon. You'll definitely find some there.
- Water: Regular old tap or filtered water will do just fine.
Substitutions or Variations
- Make a rich demerara syrup: To make a rich simple syrup, follow the directions below, but use twice as much sugar as water. This 2:1 sugar to water ratio will yield an even more concentrated, flavorful syrup.
- Use a different sugar: If demerara sugar isn't available to you, or you just want to do something different, turbinado sugar is a fairly close substitute. Dark brown sugar could work, too (see my Brown Sugar Syrup). Neither will taste the same as demerara, but they'll do in a pinch.
- Make it your own: You can flavor this syrup any way your little heart desires. For inspiration, consider adding a bit of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste once you take the syrup off of the heat or tossing a couple of cinnamon sticks into the mix while it's simmering. It can be a real choose your own adventure situation.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan - You obviously don't need to spring for Le Creuset, but I've had mine for years and still love it
- Wet measuring cups - I'm a big Pyrex fan
- Dry measuring cups - Yes, there is a difference between wet and dry measuring cups
- Whisk - I really like to use one with a silicone coating, especially if you're cooking in any kind of cookware (like enameled cast iron) that can be scratched by a metal whisk
How to make Demerara syrup
Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and stashing it in the fridge.
Simple Syrup Storage Tips
- Airtight container: Always keep your simple syrups in an airtight container. I really like these Chubby Bottles from Crew.
- Refrigerate: Always always always store your homemade syrups in the fridge. They don't stand a chance being stored at room temperature, since they don't have any of the preservatives that the store bought varieties do.
- Clean really well: Start out by giving your storage vessel a really good cleaning. Sterilize it, if possible. This will help to prolong the shelf life and keep any uninvited bacterial guests from colonizing your syrup.
How long will my demerara syrup last?
- Equal parts demerara sugar and water: If you make a standard demerara simple syrup, with equal parts sugar and water, it should last for about 2-3 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Rich demerara syrup: If you make a rich syrup (usually 2 parts sugar to 1 part water), it will extend the shelf life a bit more, to more than a month.
- Add vodka or Everclear: Another pro tip to extend the shelf life of your simple syrups is to add a splash of unflavored vodka or Everclear (or some other neutral spirit).
With all of that being said, one rule of thumb by which I abide is if there's nothing floating in the syrup and it's not hazy, and there's no mold or anything growing on the lid/elsewhere... you should be good to go.
How to use Demerara syrup
There are so many uses for demerara simple syrup! Let's talk about some of them:
- Cocktails: My first thought is to use this syrup in an Old Fashioned cocktail. Demerara simple syrup also features pretty prominently in tiki cocktails, as well. Think: Zombie, Jungle Bird, and Queens Park Swizzle.
- Coffee: Sweeten regular drip coffee, or add it to an iced latte.
- Tea: This syrup would be really nice in hot or iced tea, too.
- As a topping: Don't stop at drinks. You could use this homemade demerara syrup as a topping for pancakes, French toast, waffles, etc. Even ice cream!
- Savory recipes: Don't forget about savory recipes! You could totally sub this syrup in place of honey in salad dressings or use it on roasted squash in place of maple syrup.
More simple syrup recipes
Loved this recipe, but need more flavored syrup recipes? I have so many more. Click through the photos below to find a new favorite.
✨ Recipe
Demerara Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup demerara sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine the sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- You can prolong the shelf life of this syrup a bit by adding about half an ounce of plain vodka to the syrup
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
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