The Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso has quickly become one of the most popular coffee drinks for those who love a sweet, refreshing pick-me-up. Made famous by Starbucks, this drink combines rich espresso, brown sugar, a touch of cinnamon, and creamy milk for a perfectly balanced iced coffee experience. The best part? You can make it at home with simple ingredients and save both money and time without sacrificing flavor. This recipe will walk you through every step so you can enjoy your own barista-quality shaken espresso in just a few minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Drink
The beauty of an Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso lies in its combination of bold coffee, warm spice, and smooth sweetness. The brown sugar syrup adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with espresso’s natural bitterness, while cinnamon brings a cozy, aromatic note. Shaking the espresso with ice creates a frothy, chilled base that blends seamlessly with your choice of milk. Whether it’s summer and you need something cold, or you simply prefer iced coffee year-round, this drink delivers both flavor and texture in every sip.
Ingredients
- 2–3 shots of espresso (about 2–3 oz; strong brewed coffee can work if you don’t have an espresso machine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup water (for syrup)
- Ice (enough to fill a shaker or mason jar)
- ½ to 1 cup milk (oat milk is popular for creaminess, but any milk works)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes slightly syrupy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. You can store this syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easy to prepare this drink anytime.
2. Brew the Espresso
Brew 2–3 shots of espresso using an espresso machine, moka pot, or Aeropress. If you don’t have espresso equipment, use strong coffee brewed at double strength. The goal is to have a concentrated coffee base that can stand up to the sweetness and milk.
3. Shake It Up
Fill a cocktail shaker or a mason jar with ice. Pour in the hot espresso and about 2–3 tablespoons of the brown sugar cinnamon syrup (adjust based on your preferred sweetness). Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is chilled, slightly frothy, and well combined.
4. Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice. Pour the shaken espresso mixture over the ice. Top with your preferred amount of milk, stirring gently to create a layered effect if you want it to look café-style.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more syrup. For extra presentation points, dust the top lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Use Oat Milk for Creaminess: Starbucks popularized this drink with oat milk because it adds a naturally sweet, velvety texture that complements the brown sugar perfectly.
- Chill Your Glass: If you want your drink to stay cold longer, chill your serving glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before making the drink.
- Adjust Sweetness: Some prefer a stronger coffee flavor, so start with less syrup and add more as needed.
- Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe works perfectly with almond, soy, or coconut milk for a plant-based version.
- Extra Froth: Shake longer for a creamier, foamier top layer without using a frother.
Nutrition (Approximate, with oat milk)
- Calories: 120–160
- Sugar: 10–15g
- Caffeine: ~150–225mg (depending on espresso shots)
Final Thoughts
Making an Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at home is simple, cost-effective, and endlessly customizable. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can experiment with different milks, add a dash of vanilla, or even swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a twist. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Starbucks order or just looking for a new iced coffee recipe, this drink is a refreshing, café-worthy treat that you can whip up anytime.
