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.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.

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'.

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.
• Almond milk. Make your own! Or use store-bought Almond milk. You can also use other plant-based milk options.
• Vanilla. Creates a nice addition of flavor.
• Crushed ice. The best highlight of this drink to keep things cold. Crush your ice or use a nice ice cub tray.
• 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.

Can I Use Other Types of Milk?

Absolutely! 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. From the classics like coconut milk, cashew 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!

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.

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)

More Homemade Latte Recipes to Try

• Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte
• Iced Maple Cinnamon Oat Latte
• Sugar Cookie Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
• Brown Butter Maple Cookie Latte
• Caramel Biscoff Cookie Butter Iced Latte
• Honey + Turmeric Iced Latte
• Salted Caramel Cashew Latte
• Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte

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

5 from 5 votes

Learn to make this Starbucks Copycat Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso that tastes amazing and is sure to become your new favorite year-round go-to drink!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Serves: 1 serving

Print It Pin It

Ingredients

BROWN SUGAR SYRUP:

• ¼ cup organic brown sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

DRINK:

• ½ cup cold espresso (You can also use '2 shots' as a sub)
• Crushed ice
• 1 ½ cups Almond milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)

US Customary - Metric

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.

SHAKE THINGS UP:

• In a mason jar or cocktail shaker, add the cooled brown sugar syrup along with the espresso and ice and shake vigorously (the harder you shake, the more 'foamy' it gets) for 1-2 minutes.

ASSEMBLY:

• To serve, pour the Almond milk until ¾ filled. Top with espresso-sugar and ice mixture, stir, and wallah!
• Sip and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? You can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.

 

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.

Love this Post? SHARE!