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Nothing says fall like fresh apple cider. And while there are dozens of ways to enjoy cider, none are as uniquely delicious as Brown Sugar Apple Cider Syrup.
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This recipe skips the cinnamon and nutmeg for this recipe in favor of savory fresh sage and bright citrus. With minimal cook time, this apple syrup easy to make and perfect for keeping on hand for fall entertaining and happy hours.
Made with simple ingredients and full of fall of fall flavors, this easy apple brown sugar syrup recipe is a delicious way to bring sweet apple flavor to your morning coffee. If you enjoy the Starbucks apple brown sugar syrup in your macchiato, you'll love this recipe. And you can make it in your own kitchen in mere minutes!
Use Brown Sugar Apple Cider Syrup to create amazing fall cocktails and mocktails. Use it with sparkling water for an apple soda, with bourbon in my Apple Old Fashioned, or combine it with tonic water and my apple cinnamon gin for an amazing fall drink.
What's in Brown Sugar Apple Syrup
- Apple cider - Fresh from the farm, farmers market, or grocery store, apple cider is the key ingredient to this syrup.
- Brown sugar - Brown sugar has a richness that pairs perfectly with apples. Choose either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar depending on your preference. Want to use a different sweetener? Swap it out for maple syrup.
- Fresh sage - Do not use dried sage here. Only fresh sage leaves will do.
- Orange - We're using the peel of the orange for this recipe, so choose a fresh, firm orange. I use naval oranges for this syrup.
- Lemon - Like the orange, we're using only the lemon peel in this recipe so look for one that's fresh and very firm to the touch.
How to Make Brown Sugar Apple Cider Syrup
Heat apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add sage leaves.
Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add orange peel and lemon peel.
Set mixture aside and allow to cool to room temperature, approximately 90 minutes.
Using a fine-mesh sieve, remove sage leaves and citrus peels.
Pour into a glass, airtight container (like a mason jar) and refrigerate until ready to use.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Ways to Use Apple Cider Syrup
- Make Apple Cider Sangria mocktails - Combine 2 oz apple cider syrup, 1 oz ginger ale, and 2 oz sparkling water in a glass. Add ice. Garnish with slices of apple or red and green grapes. Enjoy!
- Use it to sweeten hot tea.
- Shake up 2 oz apple cider syrup with oat milk, ice cubes, and espresso for a delicious take on Starbucks' Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken.
- Make an Apple Gin Cocktail - Combine 2 oz gin, 2 oz apple cider syrup, and 0.5 oz lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into a coupe glass and top with 1.5 oz ginger ale. Try it with apple cinnamon infused gin!
- As a key ingredients in my Apple Old Fashioned Cocktails.
Tips on Making Apple Cider Syrup
Maple syrup (100% pure, not pancake syrup), is a great substitute for the brown sugar in this recipe.
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the apple juice first. To use apple juice instead of cider, add 2 ½ cups of juice to your pot over medium heat and cook until it reduces down to 2 cups before adding the brown sugar and continuing on with the recipe.
Nope. You need fresh sage leaves for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh sage or don't like sage, just leave it out of the recipe.
Looking for more Apple Recipes?
Apples are so versatile and delicious in lots of recipes. Try them with goat cheese in my Apple, Bacon, and Goat Cheese Crostini. Or baked up in Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, my favorite fall breakfast.
Of course I have lots of delicious apple cocktail and mocktail recipes too! This Apple Orchard cocktail is crisp and refreshing, as are my Citrus Apple Mocktails. Get all my favorite apple recipes on this 15 Unique and Delicious Apple Recipes roundup page.
Try These Simple Syrup Recipes
Perfect for hot coffee and cold drinks alike, these homemade syrups are a great way to add lot of flavor to your favorite sip.
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Brown Sugar Apple Cider Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 2 inch piece orange peel
- 2 inch piece lemon peel
Instructions
- Heat apple cider in a small pot over medium heat.2 cups apple cider
- Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add sage leaves.1 cup brown sugar, 8 fresh sage leaves
- Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add orange peel and lemon peel.2 inch piece orange peel, 2 inch piece lemon peel
- Set mixture aside and allow to cool to room temperature, approx 90 mins.
- Remove sage leaves and citrus peels.
- Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
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