Treat yourself to your fave Starbucks drink at home! This Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is a copycat recipe that couldn't be easier to make, and it's even more delicious than the original!
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A while back, I noticed a sudden spike in traffic for my Cinnamon Brown Sugar Coffee Syrup recipe ... and while I wasn't disappointed, I was also like "What is happening?" I quickly realized that Starbucks had introduced a new Shaken Espresso, and that some enterprising people were probably trying to recreate it at home.
My second thought was "How fast can I get my hands on this delightful-sounding drink?" And then I was immediately disappointed, because it was sold out everywhere, lol. When I finally tried one, it was love at first sip. Yum, what a tasty treat!
If you're reading this, I'm guessing that you've fallen in love with Starbucks' Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, too. And thankfully, it's super simple to make this unique coffee drink at home!
I experimented with this homemade version a lot before sharing it, and this recipe includes a few tips that really improve the flavor. Best of all though, it's quick and easy enough to make that you can enjoy a glass whenever a craving strikes, and it's just as scrumptious than the original!
Ready to try it for yourself? Keep scrolling for all the delicious details!
Ingredients
This DIY Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is essentially an Iced Latte, and it's made with simple, easy to find ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- Espresso - As you might have guessed by the name, espresso is a key ingredient! Prepare it using an espresso machine, a Nespresso machine (with espresso pods), or a moka pot (I have this Primula pot). Don't have one of those? You can make this drink with strong brewed coffee or with cold brew instead.
- Simple Syrup - Homemade brown sugar simple syrup is key here. It's ready in just five minutes, and adds the perfect amount of sweetness. You can either use light or dark brown sugar to make it, although dark brown sugar will lend a deeper flavor.
- Oat Milk - Just before serving, you'll top the finished drink with oat milk (I used Oatly Barista Edition). Almost any kind of full-fat milk (regular and non-dairy) will work though ... check out my tips below.
- Cinnamon - This Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso Drink features a warm hint of cinnamon. Get it by making the simple syrup with a cinnamon stick and / or by adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon before serving.
Tip: Because this recipe is made with oatmilk, this drink is naturally dairy free. If you use vegan brown sugar and gluten-free oatmilk (like Oatly) it's also vegan and gluten-free.
You'll Also Need
To prepare this drink, you'll need a small saucepan to make the simple syrup, as well as a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients together. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can use a large mason jar (or any jar with a tight-fitting lid) instead. You will also need a tall glass to serve the finished drinks, such as a highball or Collins glass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Starbucks uses their Blonde Roast Veranda Blend Coffee to make their Shaken Espresso. It's available ground or whole bean, or you can use their espresso pods with your Nespresso machine (either Virtuo pods or original system pods).
Starbucks uses Oatly oat milk. Any brand of oat milk will work though. Just be sure to use a full-fat variety, because you want that thick, creamy texture.
You can use any rich, full-fat milk (regular or non-dairy) to make this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso drink, although the flavor will change accordingly. If you're using plant-based milk, make sure to use an unsweetened / plain variety. I'd recommend coconut milk or soy milk for the thickest, creamiest results, although other varieties (such as almond milk) may also be used.
How to Make an Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This unique coffee drink really couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed, printable recipe at the end of this post, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Prepare simple syrup. To make the brown sugar syrup, simply combine equal amounts of brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly, cook the syrup until it's hot and all the sugar crystals have dissolved. You don't need to simmer or boil it. Let cool completely before using. Tip: For extra cinnamon flavor, add a cinnamon stick to the syrup as you cook it. Let the syrup cool, then remove the stick before using.
- Combine espresso and syrup. Brew the espresso using your preferred method (see my tips above), then mix it with 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of syrup in a cocktail shaker. I prefer to use 1 ½ tablespoons, but if you like sweeter drinks, then use 2 tablespoons. Tip: Stirring these two ingredients together before adding the ice, will cool down the espresso, which makes the finished drink less watery.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake. After you've stirred the espresso and syrup together, fill the shaker half-full with ice. Then, shake the ingredients together for about 10 to 15 seconds. If you have single-walled shaker, like mine, the outside will be cold and covered with condensation (use a kitchen towel to protect your hands, if needed). Tip: Don't skimp on the ice ... the less you use, the more watered down your drink will be. For a stronger drink, make this recipe with Frozen Coffee Cubes.
- Pour drink into an iced-filled glass. Once you've shaken the drink, strain it into a tall glass filled ¾-full with ice. The fresh ice will keep your coffee cold and undiluted.
- Top drink with oat milk. To make the oat milk extra thick and creamy, shake it really well in the carton. Then, measure out ½-cup and pour it over your drink. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the top, and you're ready to start sipping!
That's really all there is to it! Simple, right?
As you can probably tell from the pics, this Brown Sugar Oatmilk Espresso Latte is layered. I recommend serving it with a reusable straw, that way you can stir the two layers together as you sip it. Yum!
Customizing the Drink
This Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso recipe is very easy to customize. After you've made one, you'll know whether you'd like it a little more (or less) sweet. You could also add less oat milk for a stronger drink, experiment with another kind of milk, or use a different flavor of syrup. It's up to you!
Storing the Syrup
This recipe makes extra syrup, so you can enjoy this delicious drink all week long, and even use it in other coffee recipes! Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in your refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Related Recipes
Looking for more creative coffee ideas? Try one of these delicious recipes next:
- Iced Coffee - This classic iced coffee recipe is my go-to, every day favorite!
- Instant Iced Coffee - The fastest way to make cold coffee at home.
- Dalgona Coffee - A unique, trendy whipped coffee that's super fun to make.
- Irish Coffee - An easy recipe with a whiskey kick, inspired by The Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco!
- Iced Irish Coffee - You'll love this fun twist on the classic recipe.
- Australian Iced Coffee - Treat yourself to this cold coffee with ice cream. Yum!
- Dirty Chai Latte - Your fave chai latte with an added boost of caffeine ... the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Salted Caramel Affogato - A delicious after dinner drink you're sure to love.
- Simple Syrup - If you like your coffee with a touch of sweetness, this easy to make (and customize) recipe is essential!
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
For Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
For Drink:
- 2 shots espresso (2 ounces / ¼ cup)
- 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons brown sugar simple syrup
- ½ cup shaken oat milk (see note)
- ground cinnamon (optional)
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Cocktail Shaker (or a large jar with tight-fitting lid)
- Tall Glass (such as a highball or Collins)
Instructions
Prepare Simple Syrup:
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon stick (if using), and ½ cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar crystals are dissolved and syrup is hot. (Do not boil.)
- Let cool, then remove cinnamon stick.
Prepare Drink:
- Combine espresso and 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons simple syrup in cocktail shaker. Stir until combined.
- Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice. Cover and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Fill a tall glass ¾ full with ice. Strain coffee mixture into glass (discard ice from shaker).
- Top drink with oat milk and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
