If you love Starbucks’ Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso but don’t love the price, this recipe is for you!
It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, and the best part?
You can tweak the sweetness and strength exactly how you like it.
The rich espresso, warm brown sugar, and hint of cinnamon make every sip feel like a little treat.
Plus, shaking it up gives it that signature frothy top!
Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup hot water
- Ice cubes
- ½ cup milk of choice (oat milk is closest to Starbucks)
- Optional: vanilla extract (a dash for extra flavor)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh espresso – The stronger, the better! If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works too.
- Shake it well – Shaking isn’t just for fun; it creates that creamy texture.
- Adjust the sweetness – Like it sweeter? Add more brown sugar. Want less? Use just 1 tbsp.
- Make it dairy-free – Oat milk is the best alternative, but almond or soy works too.
- Chill your glass – A cold glass keeps your drink icy longer!
Tools You’ll Need
- Espresso machine (or coffee maker)
- Shaker or mason jar with lid
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass
- Spoon
Substitutions & Variations
- No espresso machine? Use very strong brewed coffee.
- No oat milk? Try almond, soy, or dairy milk.
- Extra flavor? Add a dash of vanilla extract or caramel syrup.
- Less sugar? Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the brown sugar syrup in advance! Just mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and hot water and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Make Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup hot water until dissolved.
Step 2: Brew the Espresso
Brew 2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine or strong brewed coffee.
Step 3: Shake It Up!
In a shaker or mason jar, add ice cubes, brown sugar syrup, and brewed espresso. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frothy.
Step 4: Pour & Serve
Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the shaken espresso over it, and top with ½ cup milk. Stir and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
- The brown sugar syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- The espresso should be freshly brewed for the best taste.
Time to Shake Things Up!
Now you’ve got your own homemade Starbucks copycat Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso! It’s smooth, sweet, and way cheaper than buying it daily. Try it out and let me know how you liked it in the comments! Did you tweak anything? I’d love to hear your version. Happy sipping! ☕💛
