If you’re looking for a new twist on your usual espresso, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is a perfect choice. This recipe combines the bold flavor of espresso with the natural sweetness of brown sugar and the smooth texture of oat milk.
Most importantly, it’s extremely easy to make. It only needs a few ingredients you already have around your kitchen and a few simple steps.
Plus, this drink is not only delicious but also dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Ready to give it a go? Here’s how you can create this Starbucks coffee drink in your own kitchen.
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso: You’ll need a strong espresso for this recipe. You can use an espresso machine, a stovetop Moka pot, or even strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso maker.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the espresso.
- Oat milk: Oat milk is chosen for its creamy texture and slight sweetness, but you can substitute it with any other plant-based milk.
- Cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Ice: To chill the coffee and make it refreshing.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
Start by making your own brown sugar syrup. Measure equal parts of brown sugar and water into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently. Keep stirring until all the brown sugar has completely dissolved into the water, and you have a smooth syrup.
This process should only take a few minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. You can make this syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
2. Brew the Espresso
Brew your espresso using your preferred method. If using an espresso machine, pull two shots for a stronger flavor, which complements the sweetness of the syrup nicely.
Or, you can use a Moka pot or a strong drip coffee if an espresso machine isn’t available. The key is to have a strong base for your drink.
3. Shake the Drink
Take a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Pour the freshly brewed espresso over the ice, add a tablespoon of the brown sugar syrup, and a dash of ground cinnamon for a spicy note.
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake it vigorously for about 15-30 seconds. The goal is to chill the mixture quickly while slightly diluting it with the melting ice, for a smooth coffee.
4. Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice almost to the brim. Strain the shaken espresso mixture over the ice, which cools the drink further and ensures it doesn’t become too diluted.
Slowly pour oat milk over the espresso. My favorite part is watching it swirl with the coffee. Stir gently to combine the layers, and adjust the amount of oat milk to suit your taste preferences for creaminess.
5. Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon over the top of your drink. Serve the drink immediately to enjoy all flavors at their peak freshness and temperature.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe Variations
1. Vanilla Brown Sugar
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the brown sugar syrup for stronger flavors. Mix in about half a teaspoon of high-quality vanilla extract to the brown sugar syrup once it has cooled slightly.
This gives the brown sugar syrup a subtle, aromatic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the robust espresso.
2. Spiced Brown Sugar
If you prefer your coffee with a bit more zest, infuse your brown sugar syrup with warming spices. Add a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves to the pan during the cooking process.
Let these spices simmer with the brown sugar and water mixture, so they infuse the syrup with aromatic flavors. Remove the spices before allowing the syrup to cool.
3. Caramel Drizzle
Finish your shaken espresso with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving. This adds a rich, creamy texture and improves the drink visually.
Drizzle the caramel over the oat milk layer, so it seeps down slowly through the ice and espresso for a delicious effect. This variation is perfect for those special occasions when you want an extra sweet and picture-worthy coffee.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shots of Espresso
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar syrup
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon, plus a dash of cinnamon for garnish
- 1 cup Oat milk
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare the brown sugar syrup by dissolving brown sugar in equal parts water over medium heat. I use one cup of brown sugar and one cup of water. Allow the syrup to cool.
- Brew two shots of espresso.
- Combine espresso, brown sugar syrup, cinnamon, and ice in a shaker and shake well.
- Pour the shaken espresso over fresh ice in a glass, top with oat milk, and stir lightly.
- Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and serve.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar syrup.
- If you don’t have a shaker, you can also shake the ingredients in a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid.
