Review: Angostura Demerara Sugar Syrup and Spicy Honey Syrup

When it comes to cocktails, everyone knows Angostura for their iconic bitters. Now the brand is branching out into the cocktail syrup game with the introduction of their new Demerara Sugar Syrup and Spicy Honey Syrup. Cocktail syrups can be great for simplifying cocktail preparation at home, but they can also be tricky, sometimes packing too much flavor and sweetness to the point that they overpower a standard base spirit. Let’s check out this duo from Angostura and see if they nailed the formulas out of the gate.

Angostura Demerara Sugar Syrup Review

The Demerara Sugar Syrup is the more versatile of the two, something you can use for almost any cocktail built around a barrel-aged spirit like whiskey or rum. It’s rich without being overly thick, delivering bold notes of overcooked caramel, molasses, and toffee that immediately distinguish it from standard simple syrup. But go easy because things can get overly saccharine fast if you’re not careful. Added sparingly, it contributes a nice mix of sweetness and texture to cocktails. The Old Fashioned recipe printed on the label is a good example, recommending half an ounce of syrup to two ounces of bourbon. If that bourbon is 100 proof or higher, you might be alright, but it’s simply too sweet with a standard 80-90 proof bottle. Start with a quarter of an ounce and work your way up, and the syrup adds that richness without overwhelming the whiskey. B+

Angostura Spicy Honey Syrup Review

The Spicy Honey Syrup is the more adventurous of the two, but also the more restrained when it comes to sweetness. Built on a foundation of floral honey, it layers warming baking spices, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of peppery heat into a syrup that feels equally suited to whiskey, rum, tequila, and even non-alcoholic cocktails. The spice isn’t overblown, but it does lend a noticeable, red chili warmth that lingers. It shines in a Gold Rush, a Hot Toddy, or, as Angostura recommends on the label, a spicy margarita. The honey softens the citrus and adds a silky texture while the spice infuses a gentle, complimenting heat. Another pro tip: you may need to look for added sweetness in other ingredients when using this syrup. Classic bourbons work well enough, but in a margarita, you’ll need a sweeter tequila (I’d use a reposado) or a dash of triple sec to achieve balance. B+

Like their iconic bitters, Angostura’s new syrups are no instant cocktail shortcut, but used thoughtfully and judiciously, they enhance all manner of drinks and should save bartenders, professional and novice alike, a few steps behind the bar.

$12 each (375ml)

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