Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Make this decadent homemade Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with bold amounts of brown sugar flavor coupled with espresso, hints of maple, and your favorite plant-based milk that creates the perfect pick-me-up in the mornings! All Dairy-free and vegan. Serve hot or cold.
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Honestly, I used to be an avid Starbucks goer before learning to make my own coffee at home. While I don't mind an occasional treat here and there, I've just found more excitement and perfection in making it home as long as I have the ingredients needed. This Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is no exception and I couldn't be more excited to share this with you. Granted, I've actually made this drink shaken and non-shaken and both methods taste just as delicious although the actual process of shaking is said to make the espresso taste 'smoother'.
Be sure to watch all recipes come to life via IG Reels for a nice visual.
However, if you’re cutting out coffee or want a lower-caffeine drink to sip in the morning, you’ll want to try my Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe ASAP. And while you’re at it, make a big batch and keep it in the fridge to pour over ice all week long.
Why You'll Love This Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and easy drink is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you'll love this recipe:
- It's Very Similar to Starbucks. I tried to make this Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso as close to Starbuck's version as I could with the exception of adding personal preferences that you might have! i.e. cold espresso (pre-made) or actual espresso shots, etc.
- It's super fun to make! I literally love the shaking effect of this whole drink and my son even gets involved just because he enjoys the shaking of the ingredients. Haha.
- You save money! This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making my own coffee at home (minus the last point to come). You definitely save more money purchasing the ingredients and making your own servings at home.
- It's healthier. Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love when I am able to know what ingredients I use whenever making drinks, cooking, or baking. Making my own lattes and coffee at home has definitely allowed me to switch to healthier, organic ingredients which is a win, win!
What Exactly is Shaken Espresso?
OK, so if you're new to the idea of shaken espresso or just never got it from Starbucks, then I've got you covered! Basically, shaken espresso was invented in Italy where it's known as "shakerato". It consists of a single or double shot of espresso with ice and sugar or syrup, which is then all shaken in a cocktail shaker. That's it.
According to an article that I read, the reason for shaken espresso being so popular has a lot more to do with a variety of factors outside of just taste like:
- The drink is customizable and is easy to make even at home.
- You will experience light smoothness due to the aeration and chilling in the shaker that makes this drink incredibly refreshing.
- A delicious and long-lasting froth that is infused with flavor.
- Shaken espresso has plenty of caffeine to power you through the day.
- Shaking adds an extra dimension and some visual flair behind the counter and the soothing sound of swooshing ice.
Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Ingredients
The main component in this simple homemade Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso recipe is the sweet brown sugar flavor and the coffee. To make your drink, you’ll use:
- Espresso. You can also use chilled espresso coffee or actual freshly brewed shots.
- Plant-based milk. Make your own plant-based milk like oat milk, almond milk, quinoa milk, sesame milk, coconut milk, etc.! Or use store-bought plant-based milk.
- Vanilla. Creates a nice addition of flavor.
- Maple syrup. This adds extra sweetness to the entire drink and works so well with the brown sugar.
- Brown sugar. I use organic to make sure it’s vegan.
- Water. For boiling and creating of the syrup.
- Crushed ice. The best highlight of this drink to keep things cold. Crush your ice or use a nice ice cub tray. I also talk about using my caramel coffee ice cubes!
- Coconut whipped cream. You can use regular dairy whipped cream if you aren't concerned with it being dairy-free.
- Caramel sauce. This is optional, but the highlight of the entire drink and can be store-bought or homemade. I love adding this when ordering at Starbucks and making it at home.
Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Starbucks Version
When it comes to the original recipe from Starbucks for this Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, the ingredients are simple:
- Ice
- Oatmilk (I interchangeably use different plant-based dairy-free kinds of milk!)
- Brewed espresso (I love using cold brew for less caffeine, but you can use actual espresso shots!)
- Brown sugar syrup (I like the idea of making my own homemade version)
- Cinnamon (You can definitely add cinnamon to yours if desired)
Can I Use Other Types of Milk?
Absolutely! Everything in this Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is completely delish as is, but if you'd like to switch things up with the type of plant-based milk that you use-----that's totally fine! The world of plant-based milk is constantly expanding, it's hard to keep up! From the classics like cashew milk, sesame milk, soy milk, and almond milk, we now have delicious options like oat milk and even potato and quinoa milk.
SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Best Tips for Making the Perfect Shaken Espresso
Making this Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso right is super easy to achieve, especially when you follow these tips that I can guarantee will help you get it right:
- Cool your coffee completely so that you can have a chill drink.
- Be sure to shake or stir the ingredients together very well to ensure that everything is smooth you can have a nice foam on top, if desired.
- If you'd like a foam on top, be sure to pour the shaken espresso mixture into your glass swiftly.
- Making your own simple brown sugar syrup changes the game!
Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes: The Perfect Way to Avoid Waste
Making coffee throughout the week can sometimes mean that you won't always use up your coffee, especially when making coffee from ground coffee beans. Yes---you can add leftover coffee in other ways (i.e. baking, making a mocktail, etc.), why not just freeze them and re-create a new latte each day? Haha.
Plus, it's really simple to make, so there's that.
Making Your Latte Runs Simple and Fast
As I've mentioned, making these coffee ice cubes are for sure the easiest and fastest way to keep your latte/coffee runs smooth during the week. Simply make a large batch of these, add them to a glass in the mornings, pour your milk, and add an additional sweetener (if you please), and wallah. DONE!
How to Make Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes Latte
The caramel coffee ice cubes are super easy to make and only require a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you need to make them:
- Freshly brewed coffee. You can also use chilled brewed coffee or espresso.
- Water. Filtered of course!
- Vanilla. Adds nice additional flavor.
- Vegan caramel sauce. This is the highlight of the entire ice cube and can be store-bought or homemade.
- Maple syrup. A great natural sweetener. Feel free to use honey or totally omit, if preferred.
Can I Serve this Hot or Cold?
Yes! You can definitely switch things up by serving this brown sugar shaken espresso hot or cold whenever you chose to. To serve hot, simply keep the brown sugar mixture warm.
Then add the warm mixture in with the espresso (without ice) and shake until combined. Then add the milk to a saucepan over medium-low heat and allow it to warm through. Pour the milk in a mug and top with the shaken brown sugar-espresso mixture, stir, and enjoy!
Can I Make this Non-Shaken?
Of course! To switch things up or if you simply aren't able to do the traditional "shake" because you're running late, etc. you can surely enjoy this drink without the "shake".
After making the brown sugar syrup and letting it cool, simply add the ingredients together in a glass, do a quick stir, and wallah! The only difference is that you won't have a 'foam' at the top of your drink.
More Homemade Latte + Coffee Recipes to Try
- Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte
- Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Latte [Starbucks Copycat]
- Sugar Cookie Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
- Brown Butter Maple Cookie Latte
- Honey + Turmeric Iced Latte
- Salted Caramel Cashew Latte
- Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte
- Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail]
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you make this Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea!
Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
BROWN SUGAR SYRUP:
- ½ cup organic brown sugar (Adjust sweetener based on desired sweetness level)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
LATTE:
- 2 ounces freshly-brewed espresso, cooled (You can use decaf or caffeinated)
- 1 cup Plant-based milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
- 1 cup brown sugar syrup
- Crushed ice
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Vegan caramel sauce, drizzle
- Coconut whipped cream, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
TO MAKE THE BROWN SUGAR SYRUP:
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add together all ingredients (whisking them to combine) and bring to a boil, about 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
SHAKE THINGS UP:
- In a mason jar or cocktail shaker, add the cooled brown sugar syrup along with the cooled espresso and ice and shake vigorously (the harder you shake, the more 'foamy' it gets) for 1-2 minutes.
ASSEMBLY:
- To serve, pour the shaken espresso mixture into a glass followed by milk. Stir and top with coconut whipped cream and caramel drizzle, if desired.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- SWEETENER: You can adjust the amount of sweetener depending on how sweet or unsweet you'd like for your latte to be.
- SERVING: To make additional martinis, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
- STORAGE (CARAMEL SAUCE): Leftover vegan caramel sauce can be stored in a tightly sealed mason jar for up to two weeks. When ready to use, simply reheat sauce in the microwave at 15 second intervals until softened and at room temp.
- WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for Oat milk or plant-based milk when using store-bought is Ripple Foods. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), sesame milk, homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.
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LET US KNOW!
This was so creamy and delicious. I can't wait to make it again!
That's what I'm talking about! The only thing better than caffeine is caffeine heavily laced with sugar. I cannot wait to make this!
This copy cat recipe sounds better than the original. Can't wait to make one of these refreshing iced brown sugar shaken espresso drinks.
This was just the kind of afternoon pick-me-up that I needed. Delicious and so easy to make too.
These are right up my alley I love the flavors, and will make them this weekend cant wait!