Spice Up Your Sip with This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup
This cinnamon brown sugar coffee syrup is the secret to making your morning iced coffee, shaken espresso, or latte taste like it came straight from a café.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a rich, spiced syrup that’s perfect for fall coffee drinks—or anytime you’re craving warm, cozy flavors.
Ridiculously easy to make, this homemade coffee syrup recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and tastes so much better than store-bought! One sip, and you’ll never go back.
Three Simple Ingredients!
- Brown Sugar: I use light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar works too if you want a deeper, richer flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon sticks infuse a bold cinnamon flavor into your syrup without the cloudiness that comes from using ground cinnamon.
- Water: Filtered water is best for a clean, pure taste, but tap works too!
- Vanilla Extract: This is optional, but adds extra warmth and depth to the syrup.
*See recipe card below for ingredient quantities.
Easy Ways to Customize This Syrup
- Plain brown sugar syrup: Skip the cinnamon for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Cinnamon syrup: Use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for a lighter, pure cinnamon flavor.
- Apple brown sugar syrup: Add 1 teaspoon (or more if you like) of apple extract for the ultimate fall-inspired syrup!
- Salted Brown Sugar Syrup: Stir in a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Maple Brown Sugar Syrup: Swap half the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for extra depth.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Place water and brown sugar into small saucepan.
- Add 1-2 cinnamon sticks.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil and the brown sugar dissolves, cover the pot and turn the heat to low.
- Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
After simmering, remove the pan from heat. You can use the syrup right away or let it cool a bit before storing.
Storing Your Homemade Syrup
Refrigerate: Store your brown sugar cinnamon syrup in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for Longer Storage: Pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop out a cube when needed and melt it into your drink!
Top Recipe Tips
- Cinnamon Sticks: You can use 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks depending on how bold you want the cinnamon flavor to be. I prefer to use 1 cinnamon stick and I'm always surprised how much cinnamon flavor the syrup has!
- Simmer Covered: Keeping the lid on prevents too much water from evaporating.
- Don’t Boil Too Hard: A gentle simmer is all you need to extract the cinnamon flavor.
Ways to Use Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup
- Coffee & Lattes: Add 2-3 tablespoons for a Starbucks copycat brown sugar cinnamon latte or iced brown sugar shaken espresso.
- Pancakes & Waffles: Drizzle it over your favorite breakfast treats.
- Oatmeal: Stir in a spoonful for the best oatmeal—sweet and perfectly spiced!
- Cocktails & Mocktails: Use it in espresso martinis or spiced mocktails.
- Ice Cream & Yogurt: A drizzle turns plain yogurt into a treat.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use ground cinnamon, but it may leave your syrup slightly cloudy. Use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and whisk well to help it incorporate.
You can add syrup either before or after the coffee. Adding it before ensures the syrup blends evenly and dissolves quickly. If you prefer to sweeten to taste, add it after and stir well. Then taste and adjust.
Yes, but the syrup blends better! Brown sugar takes longer to dissolve, especially in iced coffee, where it can settle at the bottom. Ground cinnamon won’t fully mix in, leaving a gritty texture. The syrup infuses flavor evenly for a smooth, balanced sip—worth the extra 15 minutes!
More Homemade Coffee Syrup Recipes!
If you love the warm spice flavor of this syrup, be sure to check out my pumpkin spice sauce recipe!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick, use 2 for a stronger cinnamon flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then cover and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor.
- Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon sticks, and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using).
- Let the syrup cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
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