Last Updated on April 6, 2022 by laurenpacek
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Demerara Syrup--a variation of simple syrup--is made with demerara sugar and has a rich, sweet, caramel and molasses flavor.
Table of contents
What is Demerara Syrup?
Demerara syrup is a rich syrup that is made from Demerara sugar and water.
Now, what is demerara sugar, you might ask? It's a raw sugar that's extracted from sugarcane. It's minimally processed, so it had large, coarse grains, a crunchy texture, and a golden-brown hue.
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.
These flavors in demerara sugar give the demerara syrup a rich, molasses and caramel flavor.
Ingredients
You only need two ingredients to make this syrup!
- 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 water will do just fine!
How to make Demerara syrup
You'll start by adding equal parts of the sugar and water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan (Step 1). Turn the heat up to medium, and whisk the sugar and water together (Step 2).
You'll want to bring the water up to a simmer; keep whisking occasionally. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then turn the heat off.
Step 1 Step 2
Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and stashing it in the fridge. Get ready to use it in all kinds of cocktails and mocktails!
How to use Demerara syrup
My recommendation would be to use this syrup in cocktails. The first one that comes to mind is an Old Fashioned. The molasses and caramel notes in the syrup would play very well with bourbon.
It would also be very good in a variety of tiki drinks, many of which are rum-based. A Jungle Bird or a Zombie are great examples.
Of course, you can feel free to use this syrup in mocktails, tea, or in whatever your heart desires!
Recommended tools
- A heavy-bottomed saucepan
- A liquid measuring cup
- Dry measuring cups
- A whisk
- A swing top bottle or other airtight glass container for storage
Other syrup recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
I mean, yes. You can. BUT it wouldn't be Demerara syrup, now would it? But if you have something else on hand, you can totally make a syrup with another kind of sugar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile won't be the same.
Yep! Since the syrup is made using proportional amounts of sugar and water, just scale the amounts of both ingredients up or down according to how much syrup you'd like to end up with.
You can store your Demerara syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 weeks. If you'd like to hang onto it longer than that, you can add 1 teaspoon of vodka to the mixture (this will help to inhibit the growth of mold).
Close, but nope! Simple syrup is made with white granulated sugar, while Demerara syrup is made with... you guessed it... Demerara sugar.
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Demerara Syrup
Demerara Syrup--a variation of simple syrup--is made with demerara sugar and has a rich, sweet, caramel and molasses flavor.
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.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 65Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 0g
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