How to Make the Perfect Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at Home

If you’re a coffee lover or aspiring home barista, you’ve likely come across the hype surrounding the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. This trendy drink seamlessly combines rich flavors with a refreshing twist, making it a favorite among both casual coffee drinkers and die-hard espresso enthusiasts.

But there’s no need to line up at the coffee shop every morning—this bold and flavorful drink is easy to recreate in your own kitchen. By the end of this guide, you’ll know everything from the ingredients needed to tips and tricks for elevating your brew. Get ready to shake up your coffee routine!

What Is the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso became a hit after being introduced by a well-known coffee chain, instantly capturing the hearts of coffee fans everywhere. It’s a delightful combination of espresso, brown sugar, ice, and frothy oat milk, resulting in a drink that’s sweet yet balanced, smooth yet invigorating. The “shaken” method adds a unique texture and blends the flavors perfectly, creating a coffee experience that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Its popularity has grown not just because of its taste but also because it’s highly customizable, making it a drink that suits a variety of palates and preferences.

Ingredients For Best Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

To prepare the perfect Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, it’s all about having the right ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• Espresso shots (2-3)

Use freshly brewed espresso from high-quality beans. Opt for a medium or dark roast for the best depth of flavor. Don’t have an espresso machine? A strong coffee brewed with an Aeropress or Moka pot will also work.

• Brown sugar (1-2 teaspoons)

Dark brown sugar works best because its molasses content adds a rich, caramel flavor.

• Ice cubes

Use filtered water when making your ice for an overall cleaner taste.

• Oat milk (½ to ¾ cup)

Creamy and dairy-free, oat milk complements the drink perfectly. Look for a barista-style oat milk for the creamiest texture.

Optional Additions

• Cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice.
• Vanilla extract for a sweet aroma.

Tools

• A cocktail shaker or mason jar with a tight lid (for shaking).
• Espresso machine or coffee brewing alternative.
• A tall glass or tumbler.

Most of these ingredients can be sourced from your local grocery store. For specialty items like barista-grade oat milk or artisanal brown sugar, check out specialty food stores or online retailers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get brewing! Follow these simple steps to make your coffee shop favorite at home:

Brew the Espresso

Brew 2-3 shots of espresso using your preferred method. If you don’t have an espresso machine, make a strong coffee concentrate using a Moka pot or Aeropress. Set the espresso aside to cool slightly.

Mix with Brown Sugar

While the espresso is still warm, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar. This allows the sugar to dissolve completely, giving your drink that signature caramel sweetness.

Shake It Up

Put ice cubes in your mason jar or cocktail shaker. Pour the sweetened espresso over the ice, then close the lid tightly. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. This step not only cools the espresso but also creates a frothy texture that makes the drink irresistible.

Assemble Your Drink

Pour the shaken espresso into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top it off with oat milk, pouring slowly to create a lovely layered effect if desired.

Stir and Enjoy

Gently stir the drink to combine all the layers and serve with a reusable straw or spoon. Enjoy your handcrafted Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso!

Pro Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Presentation

• Use Fresh Coffee Beans

Grind your beans just before brewing to lock in the freshest flavors.

• Froth Your Milk

For an extra creamy texture, froth your oat milk before adding it to the drink. A handheld milk frother works wonders.

• Cinnamon Dusting

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for a warm, aromatic touch.

• The Glass Matters

Serve your drink in a clear glass to show off the beautiful layers of espresso, milk, and foam.

Is It Healthy? Health Benefits and Nutritional Info

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso isn’t just a flavorful treat—it can also be a lighter coffee option compared to many sugar-laden store-bought beverages. By controlling the amount of sweetener and using low-sugar oat milk, you can keep the drink relatively calorie-friendly.

Here’s a general breakdown for one serving:

• Calories: ~120-150 (varies by sugar and milk choice)
• Caffeine: About 150-200 mg
• Sugar: ~10-12 g (using 2 teaspoons of brown sugar)

Espresso is packed with antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals, and oat milk provides fiber and a touch of natural sweetness.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

One of the reasons the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is so loved is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations to try:

• Extra Creamy

Swap oat milk for half-and-half or a splash of heavy cream for a richer taste.

• Low Sugar

Use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit to create a low-calorie version.

• Spiced Wonder

Add a dash of cardamom or a chai spice mix to the espresso for a globally inspired twist.

• Chocolate Lover’s Espresso

Melt a square of dark chocolate into the espresso for a mocha-inspired treat.

• Iced Blonde

Use a blonde roast espresso for a lighter, more delicate flavor profile.

Why the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Deserves a Place in Your Routine

This drink isn’t just a fleeting coffee trend; it’s a well-balanced masterpiece that combines bold espresso, sweet brown sugar, and creamy oat milk into a perfectly harmonized cup. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or a mid-afternoon luxury, the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso fits the bill.

Now’s your chance to bring café-quality drinks into your home. Start experimenting, fine-tune the recipe to your personal preferences, and savor every sip.

FAQs About Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

What goes in the brown sugar shaken espresso?

A brown sugar shaken espresso is made with a few simple ingredients:

• Espresso shots – The bold coffee base of the drink.
• Brown sugar syrup – A sweet, caramel-like syrup made from brown sugar and water.
• Ice – Shaking the espresso with ice gives it a frothy texture.
• Milk or milk alternative – A splash of milk is added for a smooth, creamy finish.
• Cinnamon (optional) – Adds a warm, spiced flavor.

How many calories are in a brown sugar shaken espresso at Starbucks?

The calorie count depends on the size and milk choice:

• Tall (12 oz) – Around 100 calories
• Grande (16 oz) – Around 120 calories
• Venti (24 oz) – Around 190 calories

Using oat milk or whole milk can slightly increase the calorie count, while opting for less brown sugar syrup will reduce it.

What’s the difference between a latte and a shaken espresso?

The main difference lies in how they are made and their texture:

• Latte – Made with espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a smooth, creamy drink.
• Shaken Espresso – Made by shaking espresso with brown sugar syrup and ice, creating a lighter, frothy texture with a bold coffee flavor.

How many pumps of brown sugar are in a shaken espresso?

At Starbucks, the number of brown sugar syrup pumps varies by size:

• Tall (12 oz) – 3 pumps
• Grande (16 oz) – 4 pumps
• Venti (24 oz) – 6 pumps

If making it at home, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup based on your taste preference.

Love This Recipe? Share Your Experience!

We’re eager to hear from you! Have you tried making a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at home? Share your thoughts, tips, or favorite variations in the comments section below. And if you’re hungry (or thirsty) for more, explore our collection of coffee recipes designed to elevate your brewing game.

Happy brewing and shaking!