I’m not the one in charge of mixing cocktails at our house — that honor belongs to my partner. Even though I’m a licensed mixologist (true!), he’s the one who consistently makes drinks worth repeating. My role is the prep: slicing lemons, refilling ice trays, and making the simple syrup that keeps us ready for happy hour.
We always keep a bottle of syrup in the fridge. I usually make it with white sugar, but on a whim I tried brown sugar and instantly fell in love. Brown sugar syrup pairs beautifully with bourbon, giving cocktails a warm, caramel-like depth that makes them feel cozy and a little indulgent.
Make a batch and you’ll be cocktail-ready in no time.
Brown sugar simple syrup is exactly that — simple. The ratio is 1:1: equal parts sugar and water. For a full batch I used two cups of brown sugar and two cups of water, but you can halve the amount if you prefer. It keeps well in the fridge, so making a larger batch is convenient.
To prepare: combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat, let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a clean bottle.
A funnel is an underrated kitchen tool. Trust me: don’t try to pour warm syrup into a narrow-neck bottle without one. It makes bottling tidy and easy.
Once cooled, the syrup looks beautiful in small glass bottles. I filled several since I made a big batch — they make charming hostess gifts and are handy to have on hand.
Homemade syrup is a thoughtful, simple gift. Keep a few bottles tucked away and you’ll always have a last-minute present ready.
Now for the fun part: making cocktails.
Gather your supplies: big ice cubes (they melt more slowly), good bourbon, a lemon, and your brown sugar syrup. For an easy, refreshing drink, add a splash of syrup to a glass, squeeze in some lemon, pour a shot of bourbon over a large ice cube, and top with seltzer. Adjust the syrup to taste — start small and add more if you like it sweeter.
Brown Sugar Cocktail Syrup
Yields about two cups
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups water
Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer to clean bottles and store in the refrigerator. Properly chilled, the syrup will keep for several weeks; often it lasts longer depending on storage.
Bourbon and lipstick — two favorites. This syrup is a small tribute to the rituals we inherit and the simple pleasures that make a drink feel like an occasion. Cheers!