Learn how to make a Starbucks copycat brown sugar syrup recipe at home. It's the perfect coffee syrup to add to any cold brew, iced coffee, or espresso and takes under 5 minutes to make.
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If you've been wondering where to buy Starbucks brown sugar syrup or haven't been able to source the product, this is the perfect solution! Try making a homemade version of this simple syrup so you have it on hand at all times.
I've been loving the flavor this copycat recipe brings to my homemade cold brew coffees, iced lattes, and espressos. It adds just the right amount of sweetness that blends perfectly with so many drinks.
Plus, this recipe has a secret ingredient that actually makes it taste like the Starbucks version: maple syrup. Not many other copycat recipes use maple syrup, but it's the key to tasting exactly like the Starbucks version.
You're going to love this Starbucks dupe brown sugar syrup recipe. I promise!
Jump to:
What You'll Learn In This Recipe
- The secret ingredient used in Starbucks brown sugar syrup.
- How to make delicious syrup at home. Hint: It's super easy to make, and it will save you so much money instead of going to coffee shops.
- How to properly store and use this syrup.
Ingredients You Need
Many recipes for copycat Starbucks brown sugar syrup are missing a key ingredient that you'll find in this recipe - maple syrup! Trust me, it's the secret ingredient that you'll need to have a similar taste.
Here are the simple ingredients you'll need for this recipe:
- Light brown sugar: We'll need some brown sugar to recreate this magical syrup recipe. I found light brown sugar works best, but you could also substitute dark brown sugar if that's all you have on hand.
- Pure maple syrup: It's really important to purchase pure maple syrup. That's the secret ingredient to getting the same taste as Starbucks. Do not use flavored maple syrup or molasses as substitutions.
- Cinnamon stick: A cinnamon stick is going to provide more flavor than ground cinnamon.
- Fine sea salt: And of course, everything that's sweet needs a pinch of salt to mellow out the flavors.
Check out the recipe card below for the full details on ingredient quantities.
How To Make This Recipe
This DIY syrup can be whipped up in under 5 minutes. Here's how:
1. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, and fine sea salt to a small saucepan.
2. Cook the simple syrup over medium heat just until all of the sugar is dissolved. This usually takes about 1 - 2 minutes.
Then, allow the mixture to cool in the saucepan until it is no longer steaming.
3. Transfer the simple syrup, along with the cinnamon stick, to a reusable bottle that has been sterilized. Allow the cinnamon to steep in the syrup for 24 hours at room temperature.
After 24 hours, remove the cinnamon stick. You can use the syrup immediately, or store it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 months.
Then, it's time to use this simple syrup recipe in your favorite drinks. I like to stir about ¼ ounce - 1 ounce of this delicious brown sugar syrup into a cold or iced coffee drink. It's best to use liquid sweetener in cold beverages so it fully dissolves into the drink (unlike granulated sugar).
That being said, this recipe also works great in hot coffee.
Expert Tips
- Do not replace pure maple syrup with maple-flavored syrup (like Mrs. Butterworth). These are not the same ingredients and will result in a different final product.
- You only want to cook the simple syrup until the sugar is just dissolved. The mixture will become cloudy and foamy if you cook the simple syrup for too long.
- Are you wondering what Starbucks drinks use brown sugar syrup? I'd suggest starting with an iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso.
- You can also mix this brown sugar simple syrup into iced coffees, iced lattes, or even hot coffee for a delicious taste.
- Need a cute storage solution for this syrup? I like these airtight containers with pumps (from Amazon) that look very similar to the ones at Starbucks. Storing it in a mason jar is also an easy and cheap option.
Recipe FAQs
I'd recommend using about ¼ ounce (about one pump) to 1 ounce (about four pumps) of the syrup, depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
To make the same rich flavor as the Starbucks version, you'll need brown sugar, pure maple syrup (the secret ingredient for making an exact dupe), cinnamon stick, salt, and water.
If properly stored in a sterilized bottle that can be resealed, the syrup should last in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 months.
Yes, all of these ingredients are shelf stable, so it is fine to store at room temperature on the counter. However, if you see signs of mold, discard it immediately without tasting or using it.
I have found that the syrup lasts longer (4 - 5 months) when stored in the refrigerator. So, the syrup may last for less time when stored on the counter.
Yes, this syrup is great not only for coffee lovers but also for cocktail enthusiasts. Try adding the syrup to an espresso martini or even a tropical, tiki-style drink.
More Coffee Recipes
Try some of my other favorite coffee and Starbucks copycat recipes:
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for more recipes.
Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup (4 Ingredients)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 5 tablespoons (2 ½ ounces) cool water
Instructions
- Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, salt, and water to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat just until all the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
- Let cool in saucepan, then transfer syrup and cinnamon stick to a reusable bottle and seal tightly with a lid. Allow cinnamon to steep in the syrup for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
- Remove cinnamon stick. Use syrup, or store in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 months.
Nicole
I found this recipe on YouTube. I've tried a few others that have claimed they were Starbucks copycat recipes. This is literally the only recipe I made that tasted like the Starbucks version. It's SO good and makes all my coffee drinks taste better.
Jessica Mode
Thanks, Nicole! I worked really hard to make it taste EXACTLY like the Starbucks version. So glad you can tell 🙂 Thanks for making the recipe!
Shelly
You have the water listed in the bottom by the recipe part but not in the body where it describes how to make it. I followed the body of the post on accident. May want to edit that.
Jessica Mode
Thanks for catching this! I'll get that updated 🙂
Madison
This recipe is spot on. I didn't have any more cinnamon sticks so I used 1/4 top ground cinnamon and I think it was a perfect amount. This is the second recipe I've tried for this and the other was good..but not similar to starbucks at all. Thanks for the recipe. Can't wait to look through the rest of the site!
Caleigh
How long does it typically stay good for? I’ve made some syrups and they go bad after a week or so.
Jessica Mode
Carleigh - this lasts 4 - 5 months! Most quality simple syrups should last a long time, so I'm surprised to hear that! Make sure to follow the storage instructions in the recipe, and this one will last! Also, be sure the bottle you're storing it in is SUPER clean! You can even boil the glass jar to make sure it's fully sterilized.
brianna
as i’m writing this review i’m tasting the syrup in my homemade shaken espresso and it’s PERFECT!! I finally found the one recipe that tastes spot on like the starbucks one 🙂 thank you sm for this.
Jessica Mode
Ahh - so glad you love it!! The other recipes I tried were missing that secret ingredient of maple syrup to make it taste extra delicious. Thanks so much for trying the recipe 🙂
Madeline
So simple (lol get it, simple syrup)! Okay, normally I shy away from things like this because I’m afraid of burning the sugar, but I had no issues. Only took 5 minutes. Tastes so amazing! I did substitute ground cinnamon because I couldn’t find cinnamon sticks at the store and it.
Ashlynn
How much ground cinnamon did you use? I can’t find the sticks either!
Jessica Mode
Hey Ashlynn! I'd try about 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Hope this helps 🙂
Starsugar
Hello, wondering if this is what is used in the brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso? Thanks!
Jessica Mode
Hey there! Yes, this is the syrup used in the shaken oatmilk espresso (I have a recipe for this drink too). Can't wait for you to try it out! 🙂
Dave
Just made it. Mixed it with half very strong coffee, half oat milk... I don't have an espresso machine anymore even even still it tastes just like SB oat milk latte with brown sugar syrup exactly. An espresso machine is my only missing major piece to this pie, I need to buy a new one. But in the meantime, Philz Coffee + Oat Milk + this syrup is amazing.
Sam
I found this to be a little to cinnamon-y (like cinnamon heart candy tasting) after leaving the stick in overnight. Maybe that's just me. If I made this again, I'd only simmer with the cinnamon and then take the stick out. Otherwise has been enjoyable.
Janique
Hi. Will this taste really different if I use dark brown sugar? That’s all I have on hand now. 🙂
Jessica Mode
Hey Janique! Dark brown sugar will likely give the syrup a richer, heavier taste. It should still work though 🙂
MichaelPureSoul
Which is the real Starbucks recipe? I see other recipes going around that do not have maple syrup, they have water and vanilla extract instead.
Jessica Mode
I guess that's up for you to decide! When you taste the brown sugar syrup on its own, it has a strong maple taste. This is my personal take on the brown sugar syrup. You'll have to make both and decide which one you like better 🙂
Suzy
This is sooooo freaking good!!! Hey, have you tried monk sugar (not sure if there is a monk brown) or stevia brown sugar? Trying to cut some glucose as I will be drinking this more now lol
Jessica Mode
I'm so glad you love it! I have not tried monk sugar or stevia. If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out 🙂
Haley
Do you have to add cinnamon to this? Or does it just enhance the rest of the flavors? I’m just not a big fan.
Jessica Mode
This recipe would still work without the cinnamon 🙂
Kate
May be a stupid question but how much should I be putting in a drink? Tablespoon? Trying to make the brown sugar oatmilk espresso drink at home..
Jessica Mode
Hey Kate! That's a great question! I usually start with about 3/4 ounce of the syrup, taste, and then decide if I need more. I actually have a full recipe for the brown sugar oatmilk espresso if you want to check it out: https://homebodyeats.com/brown-sugar-oatmilk-shaken-espresso/
Haylie
Soooo amazing when I tasted it while it was still warm…as it cooled it hardened haha! Did I let it get too hot? I think I made candy.
Jessica Mode
Hey Haylie - hahah oh no! Yes, I'd say you probably cooked it too long. Only cook the mixture until the sugar is dissolved (about 1 - 2 minutes). Good luck!! I hope it turns out better the second time 🙂
Christina
Can this syrup be left out if you do not want to refrigerate it?
Jessica Mode
Hi Christina - Yes, the syrup should be okay at room temperature as well. It will just have a shorter shelf life.
Rachel
I was looking at the nutritional value posted on this brown sugar syrup and I’m curious if the sugar is 171 grams per serving ??
Jessica Mode
Hi Rachel! The 171 grams is for the entire 1 scant cup that the recipe makes. You'll need to do some math and divide that by however many tablespoons you add to your drink for the individual serving size nutritional value. I hope that helps 🙂
Katie B.
Looking forward to trying this recipe. I just a simple cold brew maker where you steep the grounds overnight. I have a question though before I make it. Are you able to use breakfast syrup (like used for waffles and pancakes) or does it have to be pure maple syrup.
Looking to get into making cheap yet delicious coffees at home to save money but still have what seems like a treat.
Jessica Mode
Hi Katie! The breakfast syrup won't work for this recipe, unfortunately. You'll need a pure maple syrup for the strong flavor. I can't wait to see how you like it 🙂
Katie B
Thank you! I will be making it real soon. I just made a basic simple syrup with water and sugar last night, so looking forward to branch out in other flavor syrups including this one. I will come back and let you know. I’m sure I will love it. Starbucks is my favorite for coffee but everyday can be expensive. So making them at home will be fun and less expensive
Emily
So good! Tastes like the real thing. A game changer at home!
Tyler Mode
Thanks so much, Emily! I'm glad you really liked it!
Kali
Incredibly close! I think I need to use a higher quality maple syrup to achieve that perfect taste. However, I'm giving this recipe 5 stars because it's stopped me from going to Starbucks everyday and that is more than I could have asked for. Thank you for taking the time to experiment and for sharing this recipe with us. Cheers!
Jessica Mode
I'm so glad you loved it! Yes, a high quality maple syrup definitely makes all the difference in this recipe 🙂
Jasmine
So grateful for your recipe! It tastes exactly like the Starbucks version, even better imo and it makes me drinks so delicious. It has also saved me so much money from having to go to ebay/amazon to buy the SB Syrup (and risking spending $100 for who all we know could be a knock off). Again, thank you so much for making this recipe, will use be printing and using it forever! Life changing!
Jessica Mode
Jasmine - This makes me SO happy! I'm glad this recipe has been a favorite for you 🙂
Mary Pat
How much does it make? This info is needed to divide by portion size to determine calories and Weight Watchers points.
Thank you !
Jessica Mode
Hi Mary Pat! The total recipe yields just ever so shy of 1 cup (8 ounces). I hope this helps 🙂
Sarah K
Hi there! If I were to triple this recipe, should I add 3 cinnamon sticks? I've never worked with cinnamon sticks, but I'm worried that with it "steeping" for 24 hours they might get overpowering. (I have a 750 mL glass bottle that I use for my simple syrups 🙂 )
Jessica Mode
Hi Sarah! Great question, I'd probably stick to two cinnamon sticks even if you're tripling the recipe 🙂 It's so smart to make one big batch!
K
Mine returned to a solid state within 10 minutes. What am I missing here?
Jessica Mode
If you cook the sugar too long, it can harden. You'll want to cook the mixture JUST until the sugar is dissolved, then remove it from the heat. I hope this helps 🙂
Nikesha Goodman
How do you keep the mixture from crystalizing again in the fridge?
Jessica Mode
Once it's cooked, you shouldn't have issues with crystalizing. However, you should also be okay to keep the syrup at room temperature as well!
ro
this is the BEST flavored syrup recipe i’ve ever made!! first i made just one small jar of it, then i doubled the amount i made, and right now i’m making a huge bottle of it because i add this to every single drink i make it’s just too good.
Jessica Mode
I'm so glad you loved it! 😊