Demerara Syrup

The flavor rich Demerara Syrup is a sweetener with an earthy caramel flavor. With only 2 ingredients it takes less than 5 minutes to make. It can be used in cocktails, coffee drinks, and even baking.

Demerara syrup pouring from a jar into a cocktail glass with ice.

What is Demerara Syrup Used For

Similar to Brown Sugar Syrup and Simple Syrup, you can use demerara sugar syrup in all the same ways. Because it’s a liquid or syrup rather, it mixes perfectly into drinks, cocktails, and more. The main reason for using this caramel toffee-flavored syrup is to add essence to your drinks. In other words a richer flavor.

  • Stir it into coffee drinks. Iced coffee drinks are elevated when you use demerara syrup instead of regular sugar or other sweeteners. It also mixes in easily whether the drink is cold or hot.
  • Mix some into cocktails. Instead of using Simple Syrup in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan swap it out for this syrup. It will enhance the other flavors of the drink.
  • Use it as a maple syrup substitute. Pour some of your pancakes or waffles instead of using maple syrup. If you cook the syrup for slightly longer than the recipe suggests it will result in a thicker consistency perfect for breakfast.
  • Sweeten iced beverages. Drinks such as lemonade or tea are infinitely better when you use sugar syrup instead of sugar crystals. It mixes smoothly and brings a sweet earthy flavor. You can also use it in combination with other syrups such as Vanilla Simple Syrup for a unique flavor.

What is demerara sugar?

Demerara sugar comes from raw cane sugar with large sugar crystals that have a golden brown tint. Unlike white sugar, the molasses isn’t striped away, which not only makes it less processed but leaves behind a nutty and smooth toffee flavor.

Before sliding muffins or other baked goods into the oven sprinkle some demerara sugar on top. You can also roll cookies, like these Devil’s Food Cookies in demerara sugar instead of granulated sugar. Decorating baked goods is one of the most common uses for demerara sugar.

Bag of demerara sugar.

Is demerara sugar the same as brown sugar?

Though they are both sugars brown sugar and demerara sugar are different. Both light brown sugar and dark brown sugar have undergone the same refining process as white sugar and then the molasses is added back in for flavor. The molasses in demerara sugar isn’t stripped away, which is why it is brown in color, but different from brown sugar.

Ingredients Needed

Demerara syrup ingredients.
  • Demerara Sugar – you can find this sugar in most grocery stores in the baking section and often it’s in a smaller bag.
  • Water – either tap water or filtered water will work for this recipe and you won’t be able to taste the difference between the two.

How to Make Demerara Syrup

  1. Add the demerara sugar and water to the saucepan. Stir the demerara sugar and water together in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
  2. Let the sugar dissolve. Heat the mixture while stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. If you’d like a thicker syrup let it continue to cook down.
Demerara sugar syrup process steps 2 and 3.
  1. Let the syrup cool. Before using or transferring the syrup to a bottle or container let it cool to room temperature. If you’re using it in a hot beverage you can use it immediately.

Substitutes

Instead of using demerara sugar, you can use turbinado sugar, which is another sugar that’s not as refined as white sugar. It will not turn out the same as demerara simple syrup, but will still have a slight toffee flavor. Some other, although still very different, substitutes for demerara syrup are:

Storage Information

The syrup will need to be stored in a glass bottle or jar with an air-tight lid and kept in the fridge. It will last for up to 4 weeks if the container has been properly cleaned. To extend the shelf-life of the demerara simple syrup add 1 ounce of vodka to the syrup, which will get you about 2 to 4 additional weeks of freshness.

Demerara simple syrup in a faceted bottle.

FAQS

How long does demerara syrup last?

Homemade demerara syrup will last for up to 4 weeks if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For a longer shelf-life, you can add 1 ounce of vodka to the mixture.

Does demerara syrup need to be refrigerated?

If you plan on using it within a week then demerara syrup does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, however, if you would like it to keep for long then it does need to be refrigerated.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Make rich demerara syrup. This version of the syrup had a 2:1 ratio and turns out much sweeter than the standard 1:1 ratio version. To make it use 1 cup demerara sugar and 1/2 cup water.
  • You can make this syrup without heating it on the stove. Just use warm water or even heat some water in the microwave. It will take a little longer for the sugar crystals to dissolve but this method is just as effective.
  • To chill the syrup quickly you can pour it into a jar and set the jar in an ice bath or place it directly into the fridge.
  • Add more flavor. To change up the flavoring you can add some spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves while heating the syrup. You could also add some vanilla extract or almond extract once it has been fully heated.
Demerara syrup in a faceted glass bottle.

Demerara Syrup Recipe

The flavor rich Demerara Syrup is a sweetener with an earthy caramel flavor. With only 2 ingredients it takes less than 5 minutes to make. It can be used in cocktails, coffee drinks, and even baking.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 67kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Demerara Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water

Instructions

  • Add the demerara sugar and water to the saucepan. Stir the demerara sugar and water together in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
  • Let the sugar dissolve. Heat the mixture while stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. If you'd like a thicker syrup let it continue to cook down.
  • Let the syrup cool. Before using or transferring the syrup to a bottle or container let it cool to room temperature. If you're using it in a hot beverage you can use it immediately.

Notes

  • Make rich demerara syrup. This version of the syrup had a 2:1 ratio and turns out much sweeter than the standard 1:1 ratio version. To make it use 1 cup demerara sugar and 1/2 cup water.
  • You can make this syrup without heating it on the stove. Just use warm water or even heat some water in the microwave. It will take a little longer for the sugar crystals to dissolve but this method is just as effective.
  • To chill the syrup quickly you can pour it into a jar and set the jar in an ice bath or place it directly into the fridge.
  • Add more flavor. To change up the flavoring you can add some spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves while heating the syrup. You could also add some vanilla extract or almond extract once it has been fully heated.
 

Storage Information

The syrup will need to be stored in a glass bottle or jar with an air-tight lid and kept in the fridge. It will last for up to 4 weeks if the container has been properly cleaned. To extend the shelf-life add 1 ounce of vodka to the syrup, which will get you about 2 to 4 additional weeks of freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 5mg | Sugar: 17g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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About The Author

Aimee

I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by my space here and love to connect with new friends through food. I’ve always felt sharing meals brings people together, which is one of the many reasons I began this site.

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