Demerara Syrup

Demerara syrup is a simple syrup on a whole other level. My demerara simple syrup recipe has only 2 ingredients, takes 5 minutes to make, and can be used in cocktails, baking, and savory recipes. With a deep rich flavor, it makes the perfect homemade gift.

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Demerara syrup is popular for winter and fall cocktails featuring whiskey, bourbon, rye, or spiced rum. The most popular option is to make a demerara old fashioned.

Plus it costs 80% less to make your own syrup at home.

What is demerara sugar?

Demerara sugar is a minimally processed sugar. The minimal processing gives it a golden-brown color and it has large grains that give it a crunchy texture. The taste is deeper than turbinado sugar

Demerara sugar originated from the British colony of Demerara, now called Guyana. But most often the sugar is now sourced from Africa. 

🧾What is the best substitute for demerara sugar?

Turbinado sugar is the closest substitute for demerara. Turbinado has a caramel-like flavor. Whereas demerara sugar has a deeper molasses flavor.

Raw cane sugar would be the next best substitute when making simple syrup. And light brown sugar for baking applications.

💭Demerara Simple Syrup Flavors

Quantities listed for flavored simple syrups are for the 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water ratio. Add flavors to the pan when simmering. Allow the syrup to cool and then strain out when transferring to your storage container.

1. Ginger- Peel and slice 4 ounces for fresh ginger.
2. Vanilla- Slice open on vanilla bean pod. One pod can be used to infuse up to 4 times the quantity of sugar.
3. Cinnamon- Add one large or two small cinnamon stick.
4. Christmas Spice- Add one cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, a few allspice berries (dried, whole), and 2 to 3 whole cloves,
5. Salted Carmel- Add ¼ teaspoon of salt per cup of sugar.
6. Orange- Add the zest of one orange.

⏲️How to Make Demerara Syrup

🌡️How to Store Demerara Syrup

Homemade Demerara syrup should be kept in the fridge. The simple syrup will keep like this for at least one month before getting cloudy. To store longer, double the sugar, a 2 to 1 ratio. This will actually extend the shelf life.

Adding a small amount of vodka, roughly < 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces will extend the shelf life.

Infused syrups will only keep for two weeks, see my post on storing simple syrups for more info.

🍸How to Use Demerara Syrup

Demerara syrup can be used in place of any plain simple syrup. But it pairs better with some flavors than others. I love it in iced coffee or flavored iced tea, whiskey smashes, and pretty much any spiced rum drink.

I often use it in place of honey in my boozy eggnog and I use a cinnamon variation in my Apple Whiskey Smash. And I use it in my mezcal paloma.

I am not a fan of it in lighter drinks like margaritas or most spritzes.

But it has so many other uses! Both sweet and savory.

To use demerara syrup in the kitchen I often look to substitute in place of raw honey. like vinaigrettes. For example, on my acorn squash and pork chop dinner or my sweet potato and kale salad.

Or try it drizzled over toast with cashew butter or in place of maple syrup in pumpkin syrup.

More Simple Syrup Recipes

💬 Where can you buy demerara sugar?

Demerara sugar can be purchased at most large grocery stores and specialty grocery retailers. It is often found in the spice section if you can't locate it next to the sugars. It is nationally available at Whole Foods and on Amazon.

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