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About This Recipe
This delicious recipe is inspired by Starbucks’ popular Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, but is even better made in the comfort of your own home because you can control the sweetness, milk choice, and flavor balance to your personal preferences. It’s SUPER easy to make and will save you so much time (and money!) from going to your local Starbucks every day.
This is one of my favorite coffee drinks because the brown sugar syrup adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness, while a touch of cinnamon and vanilla rounds it out to give this drink the most delicious, cozy flavor. Then you just shake the espresso with ice cubes in any type of jar you have to give it that frothy, café-style finish. Plus, the syrup takes less than 5 minutes to make, and you’ll have it all week to be able to make your coffee in no time every morning!
I love to pair this espresso copycat recipe with my Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, Blueberry Muffin Pancake Bake, or Quick Pancake Mix Scones for an easy and delicious breakfast!
And if you really love Starbucks, be sure to check out my copycat version of their Spinach Feta Egg White Wrap. You can also find more copycat recipes on the blog, where I have everything from Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, P.F. Chang’s, Olive Garden, and more!
Why You’ll Love This Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe
- Quick & easy: This drink is so quick and easy to make with simple ingredients in under 10 minutes.
- Better than store-bought: Making coffee at home saves so much money, plus you get to skip the wait!
- Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, milk type, and espresso strength of this copycat Starbucks recipe to your liking!
- Perfect for summer (or any time!): This iced shaken espresso is refreshing, energizing, and SO delicious.
- Easy to make decaf: Trying to cut down on caffeine? Or do you need an afternoon pick-me-up? Make this drink decaf so you can enjoy it any time of day!
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar adds rich, caramel-like sweetness to this drink without being too sweet. I used light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar works too for a deeper flavor. You can also use your favorite brown sugar alternative like Swerve or Truvia.
- Cinnamon: The cinnamon helps to give the brown sugar syrup warmth and is great for sprinkling on top of your finished drink.
- Vanilla extract: Adds more sweetness to the syrup.
- Espresso: Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. Strong-brewed coffee can work in a pinch. You can use any kind of espresso for this iced latte. Use your Nespresso machine, espresso maker, instant coffee, etc.
- Milk: Use your favorite milk of choice! Whole milk will make this drink the creamiest, oat milk is a great dairy-free option, or use any milk you prefer.
- Dairy-free: Use creamy oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk.
- Sugar-free: Swap in a brown sugar substitute like Swerve or monk fruit.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of maple syrup or a drizzle of caramel.
- Stronger coffee flavor: Use a double shot of espresso or less milk.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Add the brown sugar and water to a saucepan. Whisk together and bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla. Pour into a heatproof container. Let cool, then cover and store in the fridge.
3. To a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add the ice, espresso, and brown sugar syrup.
4. Cover and shake vigorously.
5. Pour into a glass (including the ice). Add extra ice if desired.
6. Pour milk over the top. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon over top, add a straw, and sip up!
- Brown sugar syrup: Store in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Finished drink: This drink is best enjoyed immediately after making. Once poured over ice, the froth will fade if it sits too long.
Helpful Tips
☕️Fresh espresso: Brew the espresso fresh for the best flavor.
🤜Extra caffeine boost: Add extra shots of espresso (for no extra charge) to this homemade version for a serious caffeine boost!
🌪️Maximum froth: Shake longer than you think (bout 20–30 seconds) for maximum froth.
☁️Sip: Use a wide straw or sip straight from the glass to enjoy the foam on top.
🧊Extra chill: Chill your glass beforehand if you want it extra cold and refreshing.
Can I make this drink without espresso?
Yes, you can use very strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate for this Starbucks copycat recipe, but the flavor won’t be quite as bold as espresso.
How do I make this brown sugar espresso drink sweeter?
You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar syrup or add a little bit of maple syrup to make this drink sweeter. You can also add more milk if you prefer a lighter coffee taste.
What kind of milk does the Starbucks version use?
They typically use oat milk for their shaken espresso, but you can use any milk you like.
Do I need a cocktail shaker for this Starbucks copycat drink?
No, a mason jar with a lid works just as well.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
Brown sugar syrup:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (192g)
- 1 cup water 8 oz.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Shaken espresso:
- 1 cup ice
- 2 oz. fresh brewed espresso
- 3-4 Tbsp brown sugar syrup (45g)
- 1/2 cup milk (120g) Whole milk, oat milk, or milk of choice.
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Instructions
Brown Sugar Syrup:
- Add the brown sugar and water to a saucepan. Whisk together and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Pour into a heatproof container. Let cool then cover and store in the fridge.
Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso:
- To a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add the ice, espresso and brown sugar syrup.
- Cover and shake vigorously.
- Pour into a glass (including the ice). Add extra ice if desired.
- Pour milk over top. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over top, add a straw and sip up!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
