Iced Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso

Indulge in the luxurious taste of your favorite coffee shop beverage from the comfort of your kitchen! This homemade Copycat StarbucksIced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is surprisingly simple to prepare and delivers that invigorating morning kick you didn’t even realize you were missing. Forget the queues and the daily spend; now you can craft this iconic drink whenever the craving strikes.

The first encounter with Starbucks’ Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso left us utterly captivated. During a taste test of new Starbucks offerings, this particular drink stood out, becoming an instant favorite among our group. Its unique blend of warmth from the brown sugar, a hint of spice, and the smoothness of oat milk created an unforgettable flavor profile that had us debating who would enjoy the last drop! That moment sparked a mission: to recreate this beloved drink at home, making it accessible anytime we desired.

Crafting your own rendition not only satisfies those sudden cravings but also allows for complete customization, ensuring every sip is exactly to your liking. Prepare to transform your daily coffee routine with this exquisite recipe that brings the Starbucks experience right into your home.

Why Make Your Own Better-Than-Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso?

There’s immense satisfaction in replicating a popular Starbucks drink in your own kitchen. Beyond the sheer enjoyment, the benefits are substantial. Imagine saving a significant amount of money each week by simply bypassing the coffee shop, all while enjoying a beverage that rivals, or even surpasses, the quality of your favorite barista’s creation. It’s a win-win!

Our community has enthusiastically embraced our Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew and our Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipes, and we are confident that this Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso recipe will be another resounding success. While its name might be a mouthful, the delightful experience it offers is undeniably worth every syllable. This inviting coffee concoction boasts a delicate sweetness perfectly balanced by a warm hint of cinnamon, promising a truly comforting and invigorating treat.

Unpacking the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

At its core, an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is a delightful fusion of several key ingredients: a rich and aromatic brown sugar simple syrup, freshly brewed espresso, creamy oat milk, and plenty of ice. The beauty of this drink truly lies in its name – each component plays a vital role in creating its distinctive flavor and texture, from the bold coffee base to the sweet, spiced syrup and the smooth, plant-based milk.

The Heart of the Flavor: Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

The secret to this exceptional shaken espresso lies predominantly in its signature brown sugar simple syrup. This isn’t just any sweetener; it’s a carefully crafted component that infuses the drink with its characteristic warmth and deep, caramelized notes.

What exactly is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is a fundamental bartender’s and barista’s ingredient, traditionally made by dissolving sugar in hot water to create a liquid sweetener. The beauty of simple syrup is its versatility; you can experiment with various types of sugars – from granulated white sugar to rich brown sugar, and even natural alternatives like honey – to achieve different flavor profiles. For our Starbucks copycat, brown sugar is non-negotiable, providing that essential molasses-rich sweetness.

Our enhanced brown sugar simple syrup goes a step further by incorporating ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. The cinnamon introduces a spicy, aromatic layer that complements the brown sugar beautifully, creating a more complex and inviting flavor. The salt, though subtle, plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness and intensifying the overall taste, making this syrup truly epic. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare:

1. Combine water, brown sugar, a cinnamon stick (for extra depth), and salt in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, whisking continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is smooth.
3. Once dissolved, reduce the heat to low and allow the syrup to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, infusing the syrup with the cinnamon’s warmth.
4. Carefully transfer the cooled syrup into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance for your week’s coffee cravings.

Pro Tip!

Mastering Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a versatile ingredient, perfect for sweetening cocktails, coffees, and even cakes. Learn how to make various types of simple syrup in under 10 minutes with just water, sugar, and a saucepan!

Get Simple Syrup Recipes

Espresso: The Essential Coffee Base

Once your brown sugar simple syrup is ready, it’s time to focus on the coffee itself. The quality of your espresso significantly impacts the overall flavor of your shaken espresso. For this recipe, you’ll need approximately 2 ounces of freshly brewed espresso, which provides the robust coffee foundation for the drink.

A Nespresso machine, utilizing an espresso pod, offers a convenient way to achieve the perfect shot with minimal effort, which is often our preferred method. However, don’t fret if you don’t own a dedicated espresso maker. There are several excellent alternatives that can produce a strong, concentrated coffee suitable for this recipe:

• Cold Brew Espresso Concentrate: Widely available at most grocery stores, cold brew concentrate offers a smooth, less acidic coffee base. We highly recommend brands like Chameleon for their rich flavor.
• Instant Espresso Powder: For ultimate convenience, instant espresso powder can be diluted with hot water to create a quick espresso shot. While not as nuanced as freshly brewed, it’s a good stand-in.
• Strongly Brewed Coffee: If you have a regular coffee machine or a French press, you can brew a cup of extra-strong coffee. Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio than usual to achieve a concentrated flavor that can stand up to the sweetness of the syrup and the creaminess of the oat milk.

What Espresso Does Starbucks Use?

For their authentic Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Starbucks typically uses their bright and flavorful Blonde Roast espresso. This lighter roast provides a smooth, mellow coffee flavor that beautifully complements the brown sugar and oat milk without overpowering them. If you want to replicate the Starbucks experience as closely as possible, opting for a blonde roast espresso is an excellent choice.

Oat Milk: The Creamy, Dairy-Free Finish

Oat milk has become a staple for many coffee lovers, especially those seeking a dairy-free alternative that offers exceptional creaminess and a neutral flavor profile. It’s consistently our top choice for non-dairy milk when ordering from coffee shops, particularly Starbucks, and we’re delighted by its widespread availability across the USA.

In March 2021, Starbucks officially announced that they would be serving Oatly oat milk in all their locations. To achieve the most authentic taste akin to the original Starbucks drink, we highly recommend using Oatly Oat Milk Barista Edition. This specific formulation is designed to froth beautifully and blend seamlessly into coffee, creating a luscious texture.

Should Oatly be unavailable, other excellent oat milk recommendations include our Homemade Oat Milk recipe (for a truly fresh and customizable option) or Califia Farms Oat Milk, both of which offer a creamy texture and mild flavor perfect for this shaken espresso.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Milk?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While oat milk is our top recommendation for replicating the Starbucks experience, this recipe works wonderfully with any type of milk you prefer. Feel free to substitute with cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. Adjusting the milk allows you to tailor the drink to your dietary needs and taste preferences without compromising on the overall deliciousness.

How to Make an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re familiar with all the essential components, let’s bring it all together. Creating this delightful Starbucks copycat drink is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Here’s a quick rundown of how to assemble your perfect Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso:

1. Prepare the Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Start by making your spiced brown sugar simple syrup, ensuring it has cooled completely before use. This can be done ahead of time.
2. Shake the Espresso and Syrup: Combine your freshly brewed espresso and the brown sugar simple syrup with a good amount of ice in a shaker or a mason jar. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy. This “shaking” step is crucial as it aerates the espresso, creating a wonderfully light texture and helps to perfectly blend the flavors.
3. Pour Over Ice: Strain the shaken espresso mixture into your serving glass, which should already be filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with Oat Milk: Gently pour your creamy oat milk over the espresso mixture. For an extra touch of coffee shop elegance and a smoother texture, we recommend lightly frothing your oat milk before adding it.
5. Stir and Enjoy: Give your drink a gentle stir to fully combine all the layers, then sip and savor your perfectly crafted, homemade Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso!

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Shaken Espresso

To elevate your homemade Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso from good to absolutely phenomenal, consider these expert tips:

• Quality Ice Matters: While seemingly simple, using good quality ice can make a difference. Large, dense ice cubes melt slower, preventing your drink from becoming watered down too quickly.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of brown sugar simple syrup suggested is a guideline. Feel free to add more or less to suit your personal preference for sweetness. You can always start with less and add more if needed.
• Frothing Your Oat Milk: For that signature Starbucks texture, lightly froth your oat milk. A handheld milk frother works wonders, or you can vigorously shake warm oat milk in a sealed jar until frothy. The aeration adds a delightful creaminess.
• Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is key, don’t hesitate to experiment. A tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract in your simple syrup can add an extra layer of complexity.
• Pre-chill Your Glass: For an extra cold drink, chill your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling your shaken espresso.
• Garnish for Elegance: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top not only adds a lovely aroma but also makes your homemade drink look like it came straight from a professional barista.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious drink at home:

Q: Can I make the brown sugar simple syrup ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! Preparing the simple syrup in advance is highly recommended. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, making it convenient for quick preparation throughout the week.

Q: What if I don’t have an espresso machine?
A: No problem! As mentioned above, you can use strong cold brew concentrate, instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water, or a very strongly brewed cup of coffee from a French press or drip machine. The goal is a concentrated coffee flavor.

Q: Can I use hot espresso for an iced drink?
A: Yes, you must use hot espresso (or coffee) when making it fresh. The key is to shake it vigorously with ice and the simple syrup. This rapidly chills the espresso and creates that frothy, aerated texture that defines a shaken espresso.

Q: How can I make this drink even colder?
A: Beyond pre-chilling your glass, you can also use coffee ice cubes (made from leftover brewed coffee) instead of regular ice cubes. This prevents dilution as the ice melts, keeping your drink strong and flavorful.

5 from 13 votes

Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

Use this super simple recipe for Starbucks’ Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso to make it in your own kitchen.

By:
Lee Funke

Prep:
5 mins

Cook:
5 mins

Servings:
1

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Ingredients

Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Shaken Espresso

• 2 oz. espresso*, 1/4 cup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar simple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsweetened oat milk
• 1 cup ice, separated (use more ice for aesthetics if desired!)

Instructions

Simple Syrup

• Add water and brown sugar to a small saucepan and mix thoroughly.
• Increase heat to high and add the cinnamon stick to the saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Allow the simple syrup to gently simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely before using or storing.

Shaken Espresso

• Add 1/2 cup of ice to a sturdy mason jar or cocktail shaker, and 1/2 cup of ice to your serving glass.
• Next, pour the brewed espresso and brown sugar simple syrup into the mason jar with the ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This process chills the espresso and creates a lovely froth.
• Pour the shaken espresso mixture over the ice in your serving glass.
• Empty and rinse the mason jar, then pour the oat milk into the jar.
• Use a frother to froth the oat milk until a nice foam forms. Alternatively, you can shake it in the sealed jar until frothy.
• Gently pour the frothed oat milk over the espresso in the glass. Stir lightly, and your delicious, homemade Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is ready to enjoy!

Tips & Notes

• If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, consider using a premade cold brew espresso concentrate or brewing a very strong cup of coffee as a substitute.
• For a truly authentic Starbucks flavor, use Oatly Barista Edition oat milk and a blonde roast espresso.
• Adjust the amount of simple syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
• For an extra cold drink that won’t get watered down, consider making coffee ice cubes.

Watch It

Nutrition

Serving: 1 g,
Calories: 73 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 15 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 1 g,
Fiber: 0 g,
Sugar: 12 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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