Have you tried the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso? If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve got to give it a shot! Basically, it’s a homemade version of the Starbucks favorite, but it’s even better! Trust me; you’ll want it every day.
So, what’s in it? Brown sugar syrup with cinnamon and vanilla hints, shaken espresso, and oat milk make it a dreamy sip. But don’t worry — it’s easy to make at home.
In case you’ve never heard of it, let me break it down for you. It’s just espresso that’s been shaken like crazy with ice and syrup until it gets all foamy and delish. In this particular espresso recipe, we use homemade brown sugar simple syrup and mix it with the shaken espresso to make it frothy, then top it off with creamy oat milk. It’s so good; I guarantee you’ll fall in love with it right away.
What is Shaken Espresso?
Shaken espresso is a super popular summertime Starbucks drink that’s based on the oh-so-good Italian iced espresso drink called a shakerato. Check out our complete guide on what is a shaken espresso.
The general deal with shaken espresso is that you add hot espresso, some sugar or simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake it like a Polaroid picture until it’s icy cold and good for drinking.
In the US, most of the time, you’ll see shaken espresso drinks topped off with some type of creamy milk. Check out this other posts if you want to know the difference between regular coffee and delicious espresso.
What Makes This Recipe So Great and Enjoyable?
Here’s why you’ll love making this Starbucks-inspired iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso at home:
- It’s just like Starbucks- The recipe calls for the exact amounts of everything, so it tastes super similar to what you get at the coffee shop.
- Use the same coffee beans- The flavor of the final drink depends on what kind of coffee beans you use. To make it exactly like Starbucks, get blonde espresso roast beans directly from them. I use their capsules in my Nespresso machine for this drink! Learn more about what the difference is between espresso beans vs. coffee beans.
- It’s fun to make- Making a shaken espresso is like making a cocktail, but instead of alcohol, you get a nice caffeine kick to wake you up in the morning.
- It’s healthier- Even though this recipe uses brown sugar, making it at home means you know exactly how much sugar goes in.
- Cheaper than Starbucks- Making your morning lattes at home is much cheaper than buying them at coffee shops. Plus, you can purchase different kinds of coffee beans to switch things up every day!
Ingredient Guide & Tasty Substitutions
- Espresso: The key to a seriously tasty shaken espresso is high-quality espresso. I know Starbucks uses a blonde roast, but whether you go for a dark roast or stick to blonde, the quality of the beans is key. Make sure to use the freshest coffee beans, which you can find at your local coffee shop or roaster. And don’t worry if you don’t have espresso on hand – just brew some extra strong coffee instead.
- Brown sugar syrup: Ah, now we’re talking! You can whip this up from home with brown sugar and water or just grab a store-bought version. Feeling fancy? Branch out with a classic simple syrup or vanilla syrup – the options are endless!
- Oat milk: If you’re gluten-free like me, the key is finding a certified gluten-free oat milk, like Oatly. Of course, if oat milk is not your thing, feel free to go for regular milk or another plant-based alternative – almond milk or soy milk work great too. Sure, oat milk has a nutty flavor I adore, but don’t be shy to switch things up!
- Ground cinnamon: Honestly, half the time, I forget to add the cinnamon, and the drink is still amazing! However, if you want to be more like me, add a dash of ground cinnamon for that extra je-ne-sais-quoi.
- Ice cubes: For the iciness, make sure to add a few ice cubes. The trick is not to overdo it – too much and you’ll end up with a watered-down espresso drink.
- Vanilla Extract: This one is totally optional. I just add a few drops to boost the flavor of the syrup – it’s an amazing addition if you have some on hand!
Equipment Needed
- Espresso Maker: First things first, you’ll need something to make your own espresso. You can either opt for a classic machine, like the super popular Breville Barista Express, or a convenient pod machine, like the Nespresso. On a budget? No problem! You can also use an Aeropress or a French press.
- Cocktail Shaker: To shake up your tasty creation, you’ll need either a cocktail shaker (if you’re feeling fancy) or a trusty 16-ounce mason jar.
So without further ado, let’s get shakin’! Your iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso awaits…
Step-by-Step Guide for The Ultimate Shaken Espresso
Brown Sugar Syrup
So, if you want to make a really tasty coffee drink, I have two ways you can do it. Are you feeling extra lazy, or do you want to put in a little effort? Here are your options:
Option 1: The Lazy Way
- Add one tablespoon of brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bottom of a mason jar.
- Brew your coffee right over the mix, and then swirl it all together.
- Voila! No need to waste time making brown sugar simple syrup because the sugar melts right into your coffee.
Option 2: The Homemade Syrup Way
- Mix equal parts brown sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and transfer the syrup to a glass jar.
- Let the syrup cool down completely before you close the jar and put it in your fridge.
Also, if you’re not in the mood to make your own syrup, you can always buy a pre-made one like this one from Monin or Torani. Keep in mind the store-bought one has regular cane sugar along with brown sugar and flavors, but it can be a good option if you need a shortcut.
Crafting the Perfect Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Okay, let’s create some magic!
- Brew two shots of espresso, and then add them to a cocktail shaker or a cool 2-cup mason jar.
- Now, add two spoonfuls of delicious brown sugar simple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon. And don’t forget the ice! Fill the shaker with it, seal the lid, and shake vigorously for 15 to 30 seconds. We want that espresso to be beautifully foamy.
- Then, pour everything into a tall glass, or enjoy right from the mason jar if you prefer. Finally, top it all off with your favorite oat milk and savor the goodness!
Preserve and Present
If you’re an iced coffee fan, you’re gonna love these iced shaken espressos! Just a heads up, though, they’re best enjoyed fresh. But don’t worry; you can still prep the brown sugar syrup recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To keep it nice and fresh, use an airtight container like a glass mason jar. A big question many people have is how long their coffee can sit out before it goes bad. We’ve got your covered in this handy article about how to make your coffee last.
Pro-tip: Make a double or even quadruple batch of the syrup if you wanna sip on these yummy drinks all week. It’s way easier than driving to Starbucks every day, isn’t it?
Dietary Restrictions or Preferences
You can now enjoy a gluten-free and dairy-free iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso just like the Starbucks version with our recipe. And wait, there’s more! If you want to make it vegan, simply swap out the brown sugar with vegan-friendly maple syrup for a lovely taste and smooth texture.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about the gluten content, double-check that your oat milk is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. This is especially important if you’re serving this delicious drink to someone with a gluten intolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Does the Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with Brown Sugar Have a Sweet Taste?
The Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with brown sugar is a perfect combination of creamy oat milk, sweet syrup, and bold espresso. I’ve tried it myself – absolutely delicious! If you want to enjoy this iced coffee without too much sweetness, add some ice cubes or ask for less syrup so that you can still indulge while carefully monitoring your sugar intake.
How Many Shots of Espresso do I Need?
The number of shots of espresso you need really depends on your preference. For something subtle, go with the tall size and two shots; to really kickstart your day choose grande with three; or if you want an extra special wake-me-up treat, venti’s four shots are sure to do the trick! Check out our handy guide to learn how many shots you need in your drink.
Does the Starbucks Shaken Espresso Have a Sweet Taste?
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique caffeine fix, Starbucks’ iced brown sugar Oatmilk shaken espresso may be the perfect pick-me-up! It’s sweetened with two shots of espresso, oat milk, and brown sugar syrup for an indulgent flavor. On the other hand, if that sweetness is too much to handle, ask your barista next time to reduce it, or throwing in some extra ice cubes can do wonders as well.
How Many Brown Sugar Pumps Are There in the Starbucks Shaken Espresso?
If you’re looking for a tall drink, don’t forget to ask your barista for three pumps of brown sugar – the perfect amount. Looking for something bigger? Go big and take home four pumps with a grande or six in a venti!
Can You Describe the Flavor of the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso?
If you’re looking for something that’s sweet, creamy, and full of flavor- the iced brown sugar espresso is just what you need! A thick and strong shot of espresso gives it a rich base, while a generous helping of brown sugar syrup adds an irresistible sweetness. To complete this heavenly combination, I add oat milk to really make it extra creamy. Finally, my secret ingredient, a pinch of cinnamon on top, creates a perfect balance in each sip!
Conclusion
So there you have it! You’re now ready to make the most refreshing Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso ever! Trust me; this drink is the perfect choice for hot summer days.
One thing I’ve learned from personal experience is to make sure you get the brown sugar syrup just right. You don’t want it to be too sweet or too watery! Also, if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, oat milk works amazing!
Now go ahead and put your barista skills to the test- give it a try and thank me later!
