Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat)
When Starbucks released their Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, my husband Troy, an espresso aficionado with a love for Starbucks and oat milk, was first in line to try it.
Although I am not a coffee drinker, I had to taste it to see what the hype was about. I have to admit, it was pretty dang good. However, while in the drive-through with Troy, I was shocked to hear it was almost $6 for a small glass. This revelation set us on a journey to recreate this Starbucks favorite at home.
Why Pay $6 for a Coffee When You Can Make It at Home?
I have always been someone who balks at the idea of spending $6 on a specialty drink, especially when it can be made at home with more wholesome ingredients. Determined to replicate the Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Troy and I got to work in our own kitchen. After several attempts, we finally nailed a copycat version that was strikingly close to the real deal!
Since then, Starbucks has discontinued this drink, making it even harder to find. If you, like us, loved this drink and want to make it at home, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!
The Perfect Recipe for Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
2 shots of espresso (We used our Nespresso machine, but any espresso maker will do. Starbucks uses a blonde roast.)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (We use dark brown sugar for a richer taste, but light brown sugar works too.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to your personal preference)
1/2 cup oat milk
4-6 ice cubes
Instructions
Make your espresso. It should be hot. We use our Nespresso machine, but a stovetop espresso maker or a moka pot works just as well.
Pour the hot espresso into a mason jar with a lid.
Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder. Put the lid on the jar and shake it up until the sugar dissolves in the hot espresso.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes (you can pop it in the fridge to speed up the process).
Add the oat milk and top with ice cubes.
Enjoy your homemade Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso!
How Does the Homemade Version Compare?
Troy and I were pleasantly surprised by how close our copycat recipe came to the Starbucks version. The rich espresso combined with the sweet brown sugar and creamy oat milk created a perfect drink. The dash of cinnamon added a warm, comforting flavor that complemented the other ingredients beautifully.
Does It Taste Like the Real Deal?
For us, it tasted just like the real deal. The combination of espresso shots, brown sugar, and oat milk was spot on. Plus, we could adjust the sweetness and cinnamon levels to suit our own tastes. The homemade version allowed us to use simple ingredients without any preservatives or artificial flavors.
Why Use a Mason Jar?
A mason jar is perfect for this recipe because it's airtight, allowing you to shake the ingredients thoroughly without any spills. It’s also convenient for storing any leftover espresso mixture in the fridge.
Can I Use a Cocktail Shaker?
Absolutely! A cocktail shaker works just as well. Just make sure it’s sealed properly to avoid any mess. Shaking the espresso, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture creates a smooth, well-blended base for your drink.
Customizing Your Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
What If I Don’t Have Oat Milk?
If you don’t have oat milk, don’t worry. You can use any plant-based milk, such as almond milk, or even regular milk if you prefer. The oat milk taste is unique and adds a creamy texture, but other milks can be used to suit your personal preferences.
Can I Make It Less Sweet?
Certainly! If you find the drink too sweet, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also experiment with homemade brown sugar syrup, using equal parts of brown sugar and water, heated until dissolved, to control the sweetness.
Is There a Way to Make It More Creamy?
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sweet cream or cold foam on top. This mimics the luxurious texture you get from coffee shops and adds a delightful creaminess to your iced coffee drink.
Storing Your Espresso Mixture
If you have any leftover espresso mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you can quickly whip up another iced brown sugar shaken espresso next time without starting from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Recreating the Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at home has been a fun and rewarding experiment. It’s a fraction of the price and can be tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re using a Nespresso machine, a French press, or a stovetop espresso maker, this copycat Starbucks recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did it live up to your expectations? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going about this delightful espresso drink!
Happy brewing!
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso: We used our Nespresso machine. But you can use any. The Starbucks one uses a blonde roast.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: It may sound like a lot, but the Starbucks drink has more than this in it. Plus, if you wanted a specialty drink, you're getting one!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (more or less depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 4-6 ice cubes
Instructions
- Make your espresso, this should be warm. Add it to a mason jar with a lid.
- Add your brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Put the lid on your jar and shake this up until the sugar dissolves in the warm espresso.
- Let it cool for a few minutes (even in the fridge).
- Add your oat milk then top with ice cubes.
- Enjoy!
