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Home > Recipes > Mixers

Demerara Syrup

Demerara syrup is made with minimally refined brown sugar crystals, sometimes called raw sugar, for a complex sweetness and smooth caramelized flavor. This simple syrup is a popular ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the old fashioned and the Sazerac, as well as many tiki favorites.
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A glass bottle of syrup with a measuring cup of demerara sugar next to it.
Table of Contents
  • Why we love this demerara syrup
  • Here's what you'll need to make it
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients & substitutions
  • How to make demerara simple syrup
  • Everything you need to know demerara sugar syrup
  • More tiki cocktail recipes you will love
  • More simple syrup recipes you should try
  • Go ahead. Have another drink!
  • Demerara Syrup

Why we love this demerara syrup

  • Demerara syrup has a unique molasses-y flavor to it, making it an easy way to elevate your cocktails and play around with flavors.
  • It’s super easy to make, just like regular simple syrup, with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.
  • It’s perfect for making cocktails, but it’s also great in coffee and teas. Try some in your morning tea, or use it to make a shaken espresso at home.
A glass bottle of demerara syrup with a measuring cup of demerara sugar and a bag of the sugar next to it.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

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Equipment

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Large saucepan

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Measuring cups

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Mason jar

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Ingredients & substitutions

  • Demerara sugar – Demerara sugar is a variety of sugar that is golden brown in color and slightly larger crystals than white granulated sugar. It’s minimally processed, giving it a more rich complex flavor. It is not the same as American-style brown sugar.
  • Water
Overhead photo of a dark syrup in a pretty glass bottle.

How to make demerara simple syrup

Make the syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and simmer it over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir as needed until the sugar dissolves.

Allow to cool. Remove the pan from the heat, and allow the syrup to cool for about 5 – 10 minutes. Once the syrup has cooled slightly, transfer to an storage container.

Refrigerate and store. Cocktail simple syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month. If you want it to last longer, stir in 1 ounce of spirits, such as vodka or rum, to fortify it and extend its life.

A glass bottle of demerara syrup.

Everything you need to know demerara sugar syrup

Is Demerara syrup the same as simple syrup?

Demerara syrup is a simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water to sugar). It’s just made with Demerara sugar for a more complex flavor. If you want to make this a rich simple syrup, you can increase the sugar to 2 cups.

What is a substitute for Demerara syrup?

The best substitute for demerara sugar would be turbinado sugar. It is also minimally refined cane sugar that has a similar texture and flavor to demerara sugar. If you are unable to find either of these sugars you can try using a light brown sugar, although it has a higher moisture content and a slightly different flavor, it should give a similar flavor when used in a cocktail.

Is brown sugar the same as demerara?

No, while these sugars both have a more caramelized flavor than granulated white sugar they are processed differently. Demerara sugar is a minimally processed cane sugar with coarse sized crystals and a caramel flavor, while brown sugar is refined and molasses enriched white granulated sugar give you a softer sugar with a toffee flavor.

A glass full of ice with dark simple syrup poured over the ice.

More tiki cocktail recipes you will love

  • Zombie cocktail
  • Saturn cocktail
  • Chartreuse swizzle
  • Planter’s punch recipe

More simple syrup recipes you should try

  • Cinnamon simple syrup
  • Jalapeño simple syrup
  • Homemade grenadine syrup
  • Passion fruit syrup

Go ahead. Have another drink!

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    Demerara Syrup

    By: Melissa Belanger
    Demerara syrup is made with minimally refined brown sugar crystals, sometimes called raw sugar, for a complex sweetness and smooth caramelized flavor. This simple syrup is a popular ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the old fashioned and the Sazerac, as well as many tiki favorites.
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Total Time: 5 minutes mins
    16
    Rate this Recipe Print Pin

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup demerara sugar
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions 

    • In a large saucepan, combine Demerara sugar and water. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
    • Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
    • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
    Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @anothercocktailblog!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 50kcal (3%), Carbohydrates: 12g (4%), Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 4mg, Sugar: 12g (13%), Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 0.05mg

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    Hi! I’m Melissa.

    I’m so happy you’re here!

    I’m a food blogger, photographer and cocktail enthusiast – and a mom of 2. I started Another Cocktail Blog to share the fun of mixing cocktails at home, so grab some ice and stay for a while.

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