There are a few things that can turn a good cup of coffee into a great cup. One of those things is brown sugar.
Brown sugar is slightly sweeter than white sugar, but it also has a more complex and fuller flavor that hits all the right notes in your morning cup.
In this article, I’ll discuss all the possibilities for sweetening your daily coffee with brown sugar, including its taste and the recommended amount to add.
Quick Answer: Can you use brown sugar in coffee?
Yes, you can use brown sugar in coffee. Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like flavor compared to white sugar and dissolves easily in hot liquids. It pairs well with lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, and cold brew. Use 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preferred sweetness and the type of coffee.
Keep reading this article to learn even more!
Can you use brown sugar in coffee?
Brown sugar is a sweetener that can be used as a substitute for white sugar in coffee.
It has a deep brown color and a molasses-like flavor. It's also less refined than white sugar, which is why it keeps more of that rich, caramel-molasses character.
Brown sugar contains more moisture than white sugar, so it’s more likely to clump if it gets wet.
In coffee, this usually isn't a big deal because brown sugar dissolves quickly in hot liquids.
So, if you have some brown sugar that’s been sitting in your kitchen cabinet for a while, be sure to grab it and give it a try by adding it to your coffee.
Does brown sugar taste good in coffee?
Brown sugar and coffee are a wonderful combination that I think you’ll love.
It has become a daily ritual for me. I just pour a cup of freshly brewed coffee into a mug and drop in one or two teaspoons of dark brown sugar.
I let it sit for about 30 seconds before stirring. Sometimes I add a bit of milk to the mix.
I think brown sugar tastes amazing in coffee. The brown sugar makes for a unique-tasting sweetened coffee that you can’t get anywhere else.
It’s also a great addition if you’re out of white granulated sugar and you’re wondering if brown sugar will work as well.
You now know that it works really well for coffee, so I suggest giving it a try yourself.
What coffees do I sweeten with brown sugar?
Can you use brown sugar in coffee?
The answer depends on the type of coffee you have, whether you sweeten it, or if you drink it black. It also depends on your personal preference.
Before diving into the answer, let me explain why brown sugar is a suitable replacement for coffee sugar.
Because brown sugar has a molasses flavor, it will flavor your coffee differently from your typical coffee sugar.
This is the main reason why it’s a great idea to flavor your coffee with brown sugar instead of regular white granulated sugar.
There are a few coffee recipes where I’ve already incorporated brown sugar into the drinks. Have a look below for some inspiration:
The above-listed coffees are all sweetened with brown sugar.
For example, the brown sugar latte is made by adding brown sugar to the coffee and then stirring until combined, and it looks like this:
The iced coffee, on the other hand, uses brown sugar syrup.
The brown sugar syrup ensures that the cold coffee is sweetened with the right flavors without needing to stir for several minutes to let the sugar dissolve. (You can find the recipe here!)
Adding raw brown sugar and creating a simple brown sugar syrup will make an amazing addition to any coffee you enjoy.
Are you a fan of iced coffee or cold brew coffee? Make a bit of the syrup and sweeten the coffee to taste.
If you prefer drinking a cappuccino or latte in the morning, you can add some brown sugar to taste.
How much brown sugar do I add to coffee?
Adding the right amount of sugar to your coffee can be challenging.
Brown sugar has a distinct flavor, so you can use less brown sugar than you’d typically use to achieve the same sweetness in your coffee.
I recommend the following amounts for an average sweetness level in the coffee of choice:
| Which coffee? | Amount of brown sugar to add: |
| Latte | 1 tsp (7 grams) |
| Cappuccino | 1 tsp (7 grams) |
| Regular black coffee | 2 tsp (14 grams) |
| Iced coffee | 1 tsp (7 grams) |
| Cold brew coffee | 2 tsp (14 grams) |
The above-listed amounts of brown sugar will result in a coffee that is slightly sweetened, allowing you to still taste all the flavors you’re accustomed to when drinking coffee.
I like to add one teaspoon to regular-strong coffees, but if it’s a much more robust cup of coffee (like the cold brew coffee), then I’ll add another teaspoon to sweeten it a bit more.
If you want, you can always add a bit more sugar to your coffee.
But I do suggest trying it with the amounts I’ve listed above, so you have a good starting point of how much sugar to add.
Want more ideas? Use my Coffee Recipes Directory to find drinks that match your mood, brew style, and time.
- See hot, iced, cold brew, and Frappuccino recipes in one place.
- Browse latte, espresso, milk-based, and coffee add-in recipes.
- Get inspiration for what to make next at home.
Over 200 coffee recipes to explore.
More coffee add-ins to try
Ready to upgrade your daily coffee?
Here are some coffee add-ins to try today:
- Baking Soda in Coffee
- Buttermilk in Coffee
- Cocoa Powder in Coffee
- Cinnamon in Coffee
- Cold Foam in Coffee
- Condensed Milk in Coffee
- Dark Chocolate in Coffee
- Heavy Cream in Coffee
- Honey in Coffee
- Olive Oil in Coffee
- Powdered Sugar in Coffee
- Vanilla Extract in Coffee
And for even more options, check out the coffee add-ins hub here!
Conclusion
Adding brown sugar to your coffee is a fantastic addition. You can add as much or as little brown sugar to the coffee as you like.
It’s all about ensuring you add the right amount of brown sugar, as it differs from regular granulated sugar.
I’ve found that adding brown sugar to my coffee is much more enjoyable than adding white granulated sugar, as it results in a more distinctive-tasting brew. I really like the taste of it.
Did you know that you can also add powdered sugar to your coffee? Check out this article here to learn more.
If you have any other questions about coffee, you can also contact me directly by clicking the “Contact Me” button at the top!
