Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

The Starbucks brown sugar shaken espresso recipe has quickly become a beloved classic on the chain’s menu. (Note to Starbucks: Please never discontinue it.) Originally released as part of their spring lineup to welcome warm weather, it became an instant hit and is now part of their permanent menu.

Running to Starbucks each morning to snag a cup of joe is tempting, but we all know it can become a costly habit. Luckily, this drink is easy to re-create at home for a fraction of the price. Once you master our copycat Starbucks brown sugar shaken espresso at home (and other copycat Starbucks recipes), you’ll never wait in a drive-thru line again!

What is a brown sugar shaken espresso?

This iced brown sugar shaken espresso recipe from Starbucks begins with a few shots of espresso mixed with a heavenly brown sugar-cinnamon syrup and ice. As you shake the mixture, it gets frothy and divinely bubbly (not quite as foamy as a Dalgona coffee, though). The sweetened espresso froth is poured over ice and topped with a splash of cold oat milk. It’s perfectly sweet, creamy and warmly spiced. With just one sip, it’s easy to see why this has become one of their all-time bestsellers.

Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

• Cold water: Start with a bit of cold water in a saucepan to make the simple syrup.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the drink and infuses the syrup with a robust molasses flavor. Use light or dark brown sugar; dark has more molasses flavor.
• Cinnamon sticks: While the name leads with brown sugar, cinnamon is a prominent flavor in the syrup, so don’t skimp. We use three whole cinnamon sticks for extra flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and smooths out any sharpness in the syrup. Use a store-bought brand or make vanilla extract from scratch.
• Espresso: Any good coffee drink starts with great coffee. Use high-quality espresso beans for the best-tasting espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use instant espresso powder. Make a double shot of espresso by combining 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder with 2 to 3 ounces of hot or warm water until dissolved.
• Oat milk: We love oat milk because it is dairy-free, creamy like regular milk, and adds a wonderfully nutty taste and aroma. There are a lot of oat milk brands out there now, but you can make homemade oat milk from oats, water and a touch of maple syrup—that’s it!
• Ice: You’ll need ice to perfect this brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso recipe at home.

Directions

Step 1: Make the syrup

TASTE OF HOME

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water and brown sugar. Stir, then add the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture has reduced slightly.

Step 2: Finish the syrup

TASTE OF HOME

Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly and discard the cinnamon stick.

Editor’s Tip: Wondering why we wait to add the vanilla until the syrup is off the heat? Because it’s made with alcohol, adding vanilla to a hot mixture will cause the alcohol to evaporate quickly, which can weaken the vanilla flavor.

Step 3: Put everything on ice

TASTE OF HOME

Fill a Mason jar with ice. Add brown sugar syrup (adjust to suit your preference for sweetness) and the cooled espresso.

Step 4: Shake

TASTE OF HOME

Seal with the lid and shake until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is slightly frothy.

Editor’s Tip: Starbucks typically makes its 16-ounce drinks with two shots of espresso. Try three shots if you want your iced brown sugar shaken espresso recipe stronger. You can adjust the number of shots to suit your preference (and caffeine needs).

Step 5: Serve

TASTE OF HOME

Add ice to a 16-ounce glass. Strain the espresso mixture and pour it over the ice. Top with oat milk. Serve immediately.

TASTE OF HOME

Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Variations

• Make a brown sugar oat milk latte: The syrup can also be used for hot coffee shop drinks. Brew your espresso and add the desired amount of syrup to a coffee mug. Top with steamed milk and foam, and enjoy!
• Add maple syrup: This syrup is also delish with a kiss of maple syrup. Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup with the cinnamon sticks and simmer as directed.
• Other milk options: Starbucks has classically made this shaken espresso drink with oat milk. However, you can use any milk you prefer, including whole, almond and soy.

How to Store Brown Sugar Syrup

You probably won’t have a leftover drink, but the homemade brown sugar syrup can be stored in an airtight container (hello, Mason. jar) and kept refrigerated. If properly stored, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to four weeks.

Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Tips

TASTE OF HOME

Can you use regular coffee for a brown sugar shaken espresso?

Yes. If you don’t own an espresso maker, you may also make this drink with strongly brewed coffee, either via machine or French press. For the best taste, we suggest using 6 ounces of coffee cooled to room temperature.

Can you make a brown sugar shaken espresso less sweet?

The standard recipe for a grande Starbucks brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso calls for four pumps of brown sugar syrup (roughly 4 tablespoons). Most will say it’s a sweet drink, but that’s subjective to individual taste. If you like your shaken espresso less sweet, reduce the syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount. Or try another healthy Starbucks drink if you’re watching your sugar intake.

What can you serve with a brown sugar shaken espresso?

For a special treat, serve your homemade iced brown sugar shaken espresso recipe with a batch of copycat Starbucks egg bites, a slice of copycat Starbucks pumpkin bread or a decadent copycat Cranberry Bliss Bar.