Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (Copycat Recipe)
You can make Starbucks brown sugar shaken espresso in less than five minutes at home; faster and for less money than it takes to drive there and order their iced brown sugar shaken oatmilk espresso. All you need are five simple ingredients: espresso, brown sugar, cinnamon, oat milk, and ice. Make, shake, and voilà, you have a homemade iced brown sugar drink.
What Makes This Recipe Different
Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Takes Me Back To The 90’s
I tried the Starbucks iced brown sugar shaken espresso the other day, and it took me straight back to Honey Nut Cheerios in my college days. The flavor was warm and oaty. I finished it in ten minutes and I did not feel guilty.
But the price was higher than I want to spend on a regular basis. So I did what I have done with all my favorite Starbucks drinks, I created a copycat version. If you want to level up, top this drink with my vanilla sweet cream cold foam copycat recipe. Trust me, it’s so good!
– Ruth
Your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Questions Answered
Does this Iced Brown Sugar Taste Like Starbucks?
This recipe is close, very close, but not quite the same. It is slightly less sweet, coffee-forward, and less syrupy. I believe this recipe tastes better than Starbucks, and it’s made with simple ingredients!
Can I use a Different Coffee?
Yes, you absolutely can use a different coffee. I recommend sticking with espresso, it has a strong flavor to carry through in a latte.
What Equipment Do I need?
You need very little equipment to make this recipe. If you do not have an espresso machine, you can use a french press or buy Starbucks Instant Blonde Roast. If you do not have a cocktail shaker, use a jar with a lid instead. (Personally, I prefer a jar with a lid.)
Ingredients
Blonde Espresso
Blonde espresso is the best choice for this recipe, and it’s what Starbucks uses. The blonde roast has a light and slightly sweeter flavor than their Pike Place or Italian Dark Roast. The blonde gives this drink a balanced flavor. You can buy Veranda Blonde whole bean coffee at Starbucks, most large grocery stores, or online. If you prefer a different brand, stick with a light or blonde roast for a similar flavor.
Brown Sugar
Starbucks recommends using light brown sugar, but you can also use dark. Vegans, look for organic brown sugar to avoid bone char.
Cinnamon
You only need a small dash. Leave it out if you are out of cinnamon or don’t like it. This drink is delicious with or without cinnamon!
Unsweetened Oatmilk
Oatmilk has a creamier texture than dairy milk and a nutty warmth that complements the brown sugar and cinnamon. Even milk drinkers like my son-in-law think oat milk tastes better than regular milk, which is quite the endorsement, since he is a milk drinker and this is his favorite Starbucks drink.
To match the flavor, look for the unsweetened Oatly brand. This is what Starbucks uses, and it is found at most large grocery stores.
How to Make a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at Home
Step One: Espresso
Start by making the espresso. Then, stir the brown sugar into the espresso. You want to do this while the espresso is still hot so that the brown sugar dissolves and creates an even flavor.
Step Two: Mix
Place the ice, espresso, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker or mason jar with the top screwed on tightly. Shake vigorously 10 to 20 times. This shaking creates a foamy texture.
Step Three: Serve
Pour the espresso into a glass and top with oatmilk. If you are a cinnamon lover, top with another dash before serving!
Credit: This recipe was adapted from Starbucks At Home.
The Secrets to the Perfect Shaken Espresso
- Let the brown sugar fully dissolve before adding the milk.
- Shake the coffee while the espresso is still warm.
- Use large ice cubes for slower dilution.
How To Store Your Iced Espresso Drink
Drain your drink so that the ice and mixed beverage are separate. Store the mixed beverage in your refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. When you’re ready to drink it, pour it in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Close tightly and shake vigorously. Then pour over ice.
How Did It Go?
I hope you loved this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso as much as I do! Before you go, please leave me a rating and let me know your thoughts on this recipe. Your feedback is valuable to other readers and me.
Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 espresso machine or instant espresso
Ingredients
- 2 shots Starbucks blonde espresso roast
- 2 teaspoons Light brown sugar
- 6 ounces (3/4 cup) oatmilk
- 1 dash Cinnamon
Instructions
Step One: Espresso
- Start by making the espresso. Then, stir the brown sugar into the espresso. You want to do this while the espresso is still hot so that the brown sugar dissolves and creates an even flavor.
Step Two: Mix
- Place the ice, espresso, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker or mason jar with the top screwed on tightly. Shake vigorously 10 to 20 times.
Step Three: Serve
- Pour the espresso into a glass and top with oatmilk. If you are a cinnamon lover, top with another dash before serving!
Notes
| Size | Volume | Espresso Shots | Brown Sugar (Pumps/Tsp) | Oatmilk (Approx) |
| Tall | 12 oz | 2 Shots | 3 Pumps (1.5 tsp) | 4 oz |
| Grande | 16 oz | 3 Shots | 4 Pumps (2 tsp) | 6 oz |
| Venti | 24 oz | 4 Shots | 6 Pumps (3 tsp) | 10 oz |
For someone who is always on the go and has an extremely tight morning schedule, this is my go to recipe. I have tried this multiple times and love it! It’s so simple, quick and delicious.
Awe, you’re the best! I know you love this drink, and thank you for leaving a comment. ❤️
After seeing our specialty coffee costs rise dramatically over the past year or so, my husband and I decided to get a home espresso machine. We figure it will pay for itself within a year. So, I happened upon this recipe in an effort to recreate one of my favorites. I added my brown sugar to my espresso cup and let my espresso brew over it before adding to the cocktail shaker and I topped with some vanilla sweet cream at the end. It was amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Amy, I am so happy you liked it! Your message is perfect timing. I was staring at our espresso machine this morning and remembering buying it five years ago. My husband insisted. I am glad he did. We have saved so much money!
I must get an expresso machine. This looks so yummy!
Hi Jill, we love ours so much! I gave my husband such a hard time for buying one because I loved Starbucks. But the amount of money we have saved is crazy! Plus, it makes great drinks like this expresso.