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.
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!
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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. Have questions as you're cooking? Leave a comment below, and I'll help!
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.
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 🙂
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 🙂
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 🙂
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!
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
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 🙂
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.
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 🙂
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/
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 🙂