If you love Starbucks drinks, you’re going to be a fan of this homemade iced brown sugar shaken espresso. It’s a perfect treat to shake up your usual coffee routine. This recipe uses a rich espresso mixed with a sweet syrup made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. When you shake it with ice, it becomes frothy and smooth. I like to finish it off with creamy oat milk, which adds a deliciously oat flavor that beats any store-bought version. The best part? It’s easy to make in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the price of a Starbucks drink.
If you are a fan of Cold Drink recipes then you definitely go to my Best “huckleberry lemonade recipe” For now, though, this creamy, homemade mixture is all you need to enjoy a cozy moment. Just grab a cup, and give it a shake—it’s that simple!
What is a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?
The iced coffee world got a whole lot more exciting when Starbucks introduced the brown sugar shaken espresso. I remember seeing a video a girl who works there shared just before the official launch. It had me intrigued, so I decided to learn how to make a homemade version right away. It’s really simple! The secret to this delicious drink is in the freshly brewed espresso that gets shaken vigorously with ice in a mason jar with a lid. This technique creates that smooth, frothy texture we all love. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to start your day or get you through that midday hump. The new way of enjoying coffee is truly about savoring each sip, and this recipe picks you right up every time.
Why I Love This Recipe
Making an iced brown sugar shaken espresso at home is so easy and brings a sense of comfort with every sip. This drink reminds me of my favorite Starbucks orders but at a much cheaper price. I love how you can use oat milk to give it a creamy texture. It’s all about that sweet brown sugar syrup mixed with the espresso and shaken to perfection. The process is incredibly simple, and the result is just as delicious as what you get from the coffee shops. I get a stronger caffeine boost that truly satisfies my craving, without the expensive trip to the café.
What makes this recipe even more special is the ability to make it your own. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more syrup. Need an additional shot of espresso for that extra kick? Go for it! This homemade version allows you to adjust everything to your liking. Plus, knowing that it’s made from scratch rather than pre-made mixes makes it feel healthier and more personal. Every time I make this drink, I feel a little more hooked on the process and the flavor. It’s a fraction of the price yet feels like such a luxury.
Ingredients:
Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup (16 tbsp) lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups (24 tbsp) water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Espresso Mixture:
- 16 shots of freshly brewed espresso (or 4 cups of very strong coffee)
- 1 cup ice cubes (for shaking)
- 8 cups ice cubes (for serving)
Milk:
- 3-4 cups oat milk (or hemp milk, or any milk of choice)
Substitutions:
- If you don’t have oat milk, you can use hemp milk or any milk of choice such as almond milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk.
Method:
Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and water.
- Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
Brew the Espresso:
- Brew 16 shots of espresso (or 4 cups of strong coffee). If using an espresso machine, brew the shots directly. Alternatively, use a coffee maker to make strong coffee.
Shake the Espresso Mixture:
- In a large mason jar or cocktail shaker, add the brewed espresso, 12 tbsp of the prepared brown sugar syrup, and 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Close the lid securely and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Serve the Drink:
- Divide the remaining ice cubes into 8 glasses, filling each halfway.
- Pour the shaken espresso mixture evenly into each glass.
- Top each glass with oat milk, filling to the desired level. Stir gently to combine.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, creamy, and slightly sweet iced espresso.
Additional Info About Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.
Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.
Health Benefits:
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oat Milk: Provides fiber and is a great dairy-free alternative with fewer calories and fat.
- Coffee: Contains caffeine which can improve focus and provide an energy boost.
Notes:
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar syrup added to the espresso mixture.
- If you prefer a less strong coffee flavor, use less espresso or add more milk.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~2g
- Caffeine: ~150mg
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Mason jar or cocktail shaker
Can brwon sugar be used in Coffee
Absolutely! Using brown sugar in your coffee is a game changer. It adds a caramelized richness that regular sugar just can’t match. When I first tried it in my iced espresso, it instantly became a new favorite. The sweet and slightly caramelized notes of brown sugar create a perfect combo with the espresso. And if you shake the espresso with the brown sugar and ice, it blends so well, giving the drink a lovely, smooth texture. It’s one of the best ways to perk up your daily cup, making it taste like a treat every time.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair the Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with a Bold Chex Mix for a savory and crunchy snack that contrasts nicely with the drink’s sweetness. For a heartier option, try a Smoked Queso Dip with tortilla chips, adding a creamy, savory element to the experience. If you prefer something sweet, a slice of moist Banana Bread complements the espresso’s caramel notes perfectly, creating a delightful balance of flavors. These options enhance the espresso’s rich taste, making for a satisfying and well-rounded treat.
Storing
When I first tried this iced brown sugar shaken espresso recipe at home, I realized the secret to enjoying it at its best is making sure the syrup is fresh. To keep it tasting great, I store the brown sugar syrup in a glass mason jar with an airtight lid. This way, I can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and it’s always ready to go when I need a quick pick-me-up.
If you’re like me and love having this coffee often, you might want to make a double or even quadruple batch of the simple syrup. That way, you can whip up a shaken espresso whenever the craving hits. It’s much faster than driving to your local coffee shop, and it means you can have your favorite drink all week long, just the way you desired.
Recipe Variations
This iced brown sugar shaken espresso is a delicious treat you can easily make at home. You can mix up the flavors and get really creative with different kinds of milk. I find that hemp milk makes the drink extra creamy, but oat milk works just as well, especially if you’re aiming for a copycat Starbucks style.
The beauty of this recipe is that the options are truly endless. You can try adding hazelnut syrup for a nutty twist, or go for vanilla or coconut syrups if you’re in the mood for something different. Just a quick shake of the espresso with ice, brown sugar, and your choice of milk will give you that perfect shaken espresso drink to enjoy any time of the day.
What should I add to my brown sugar shaken espresso?
To make a brown sugar shaken espresso, mix light brown sugar into hot espresso until it dissolves. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. In a mason jar or shaker, combine the espresso, oatmilk, and ice. Shake for 20 seconds to blend the flavors and create a frothy texture. Pour into a tall glass and top with a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
What Syrup is Used in the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso?
If you love the Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, it’s easy to make at home. The secret is in the syrup, which adds that sweet, rich flavor. This simple recipe not only saves you money but also lets you skip trips to the coffee shop. With practice, you’ll make a delicious drink that tastes just like the original.
How to Make the Best Homemade Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
Method
-
Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and water. -
Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low.
-
Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly.
-
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
-
Brew the Espresso
Brew 16 shots of espresso (or 4 cups of strong coffee). If using an espresso machine, brew the shots directly. Alternatively, use a coffee maker to make strong coffee. -
Shake the Espresso Mixture
In a large mason jar or cocktail shaker, add the brewed espresso, 12 tbsp of the prepared brown sugar syrup, and 1 cup of ice cubes. -
Close the lid securely and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
-
Serve the Drink
Divide the remaining ice cubes into 8 glasses, filling each halfway. -
Pour the shaken espresso mixture evenly into each glass.
-
Top each glass with oat milk, filling to the desired level. Stir gently to combine.
-
Enjoy
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, creamy, and slightly sweet iced espresso.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.