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Rich Demerara Syrup
Rich demerara syrup is a 2:1 syrup made from raw demerara sugar and water, producing a heavier-bodied sweetener with caramel and molasses notes that simple syrup cannot deliver. The doubled sugar concentration means recipes use roughly half the volume of standard simple syrup. Rich demerara is the canonical sweetener for tiki cocktails, modern Old Fashioned variations, and any spirit-forward drink that wants weight without dilution.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) raw demerara sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
Method
- Combine the sugar and hot water in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not boil; the syrup should stay just below a simmer.
- Remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature.
- Pour into a clean bottle. Seal and refrigerate.
Pro tip
Use raw demerara, not light brown sugar. Demerara is a large-crystal cane sugar with light natural molasses; light brown is granulated white sugar with added molasses, and it makes a thinner, sweeter, flatter syrup.
Frequently asked
Why 2:1 demerara instead of regular simple syrup?
The 2:1 ratio doubles the sugar relative to water, producing a syrup with body and viscosity that supports spirit-forward drinks without diluting them. Most modern Old Fashioned and tiki specs assume 2:1 demerara; using a 1:1 syrup at the same volume will leave the drink wet and undersweetened.
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