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Easy Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

brown sugar shaken espresso - featured image

This copycat Starbucks brown sugar shaken espresso is quick, easy, and tastes just as good—if not better—than the original. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for slow mornings, rainy afternoons, or any time you need a little comfort in a cup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 shots espresso (or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened oat milk
  • Ice cubes (a handful)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • A pinch of cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew your espresso (2 minutes): Start by brewing 2 shots of espresso (about 1/4 cup total). If using a Moka pot, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If using instant espresso, dissolve 2 teaspoons in 1/4 cup of hot water. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Add brown sugar to your shaker (30 seconds): Grab your mason jar or cocktail shaker and add 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar. If using vanilla extract, add it now.
  3. Pour in the hot espresso (1 minute): Carefully pour the hot espresso over the brown sugar. Stir with a spoon if needed to fully dissolve the sugar.
  4. Add ice and shake (30 seconds): Fill your shaker with a handful of ice cubes—enough to fill it about halfway. Secure the lid tightly, then shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
  5. Fill your glass with fresh ice (1 minute): While the espresso is shaking, fill your serving glass with fresh ice cubes.
  6. Strain the espresso into the glass (30 seconds): Open your shaker and pour the shaken espresso (including any remaining ice) into your glass. For a cleaner look, strain using a fine-mesh sieve.
  7. Top with oat milk (30 seconds): Slowly pour 1/2 cup of oat milk over the espresso. Stir gently if desired, or leave layered for a prettier presentation.
  8. Garnish and serve (30 seconds): Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the shaking step—it aerates the espresso and creates a frothy texture. Use hot espresso to help dissolve the brown sugar. Pack the brown sugar firmly for the right sweetness. For best results, use a barista blend oat milk like Oatly Barista Edition. Adjust sweetness to taste by reducing or increasing brown sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar shaken espresso, copycat Starbucks, iced coffee, oat milk espresso, easy coffee recipe