The priming sugar has become a game-changer when it comes down to beer production because it’s the final ingredient that’s added to the container when the beer’s fermentation process is complete. This is because priming sugar helps create carbonation and adds fizziness. In fact, priming sugar improves the aroma and flavor of the beer and creates the froth that beer is famous for – it surely adds crispiness to the beer. However, if you cannot get your hands on priming sugar, we are sharing some substitutes that work equally great with beers!
Priming Sugar Substitutes
- Demerara Sugar
This sugar is made from cane juice and has a light brown color. The best thing about this sugar is that it’s minimally processed, which makes it suitable for sweetening desserts as well as beverages. In fact, it’s a type of brown sugar that has huge and crunchy granules. It is extracted from sugarcane and is native to Guyana. It is easily available in grocery stores and can be used in the preparation of sugar cookies. In addition, it can be added to beers to add sweetness and fizziness and many people use it on top of crème Brulee to add the crunchy topping.
- Light Brown Sugar
If you want to add more fizziness to your beer, it’s recommended that you opt for light brown sugar. It is quite similar to demerara sugar but the former has more crunch. In addition, it has molasses in which, which creates an acidic nature with a significant caramel flavor. The light brown sugar adds a great texture to the beer and the flavor will be extremely robust. In addition to beer-making, light brown sugar can be used in the preparation of cakes as well.
- White Sugar & Molasses
Many people are against using white sugar in the beer-making process but it’s recommended that you mix white sugar with molasses to create a better flavor. In particular, you should mix one cup of white sugar with one tablespoon of molasses to substitute priming sugar.
- Muscovado Sugar
This type of sugar is known for its toffee flavor, which makes it suitable for beers as it will complement the beer. However, you need to remember that it’s not very refined and doesn’t have much molasses. It has higher moisture content and the addition of molasses results in a darker appearance, so the beer will come out darker as well.
In fact, you need to remember that this sugar is sticky and can create clumps, which is why you have to be vigilant while mixing sugar in the beer. In addition to using it for beers, you can use it as a topping for ice cream and cakes. In addition, it can be mixed into yogurt for a quick snack. However, if you have to use it for a baking recipe, it’s recommended that you sift it before you mix it into dough or batter to clear out the clumps.
- Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is one of the best additions to beer because it helps improve the flavor of the beer and adds an appealing texture. However, maple syrup is a liquid, which means adding it to the beer will thin its texture. For this reason, it’s recommended that you mix maple syrup with white sugar – you can mix a cup of white sugar with one tablespoon of maple syrup and mix them properly before you add it to the beer.
- Turbinado
This is another substitute for priming sugar but you need to remember that it has more molasses and isn’t refined. It has a cane-sugar flavor but the appearance might be different. In particular, Turbinado has a subtle sweetener with a caramel undertone. When it comes down to the texture, it’s moist but not sticky. Since it has a non-sticky texture, you can not only use it in beer but for sprinkling as well. For instance, you can use it in baked goods as well as sweet drinks.
- Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is produced from the coconut trees’ sap and has a coconut flavor. The best thing about coconut sugar is that it’s a healthier alternative because there is an abundance of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. In addition to flavoring the beer, coconut sugar can be used in baked goods (it will actually make the recipe denser!).