This recipe is perfect for those like me who don’t love such overly sweet coffee drinks, but want that bold coffee fix with some sweetener and creaminess. In this post I will teach you how I make a copycat version of Starbucks Iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso.

This is my iced coffee drink of choice whenever I go through the Starbucks drive thru, which isn’t often because you can make them even better at home for a small fraction of the price! Plus I am super picky when it comes to the added ingredients coffee shops have in their drinks, so it is right up my alley to make a homemade version of their drinks.

Why you will love this Copycat Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Recipe:

Cost-Effective: Making your own version of this delicious drink at home can save you money, especially if you’re a frequent coffee drinker. It uses simple ingredients that you already have minus the oat milk, which you can swap out for whatever milk you have.

Customization: You have full control over the ingredients and can adjust the amount of brown sugar, milk quantity, and espresso strength to perfectly match your preferences.

Healthier Option: By making it at home, you can choose healthier ingredients, such as using less sugar or a different sweetener or opting for organic oat milk.

Convenience: No need to wait in line at Starbucks; you can enjoy this delicious beverage in the comfort of your own home.

Satisfaction: There’s a sense of accomplishment in recreating a favorite café drink, and it can be a fun and creative process.

Fresh Ingredients: You can use the freshest ingredients, ensuring a top-quality taste that rivals the original.

Ingredients:

2 espresso shots or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or sweetener of choice)
cup of ice
½ cup of oat milk (or any milk of your choice)
1/8 cup of heavy cream (optional, for cold foam)
A pinch of ground cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)

top view of iced coffee with a drizzle of cinnamon

Instructions:

Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a stovetop espresso maker or a strong coffee maker works just fine.
While the espresso is still hot, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves.
In a cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the sweetened shots of espresso and a few ice cubes . Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. This will create a frothy and chilled mixture.
Fill a tall glass with ice, and pour the shaken espresso over it, plus vanilla.
Top off with your preferred milk. Oat milk is a popular choice for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but any milk will work.
If adding cold foam, froth the heavy cream until it becomes thick and frothy, and add to drink. You can add a simple syrup to it if you want to make it a sweet cream.
Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.

There are many fun and delicious ways to put a twist on the Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. Here are a few variations you can try:

Vanilla Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso:

Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely aroma.

Mocha Shaken Espresso:

Add a bit of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the espresso for a rich, chocolatey version of the drink.

Honey Almond Shaken Espresso:

Use honey instead of brown sugar and almond milk instead of oat milk for a nutty, sweet alternative.

Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso:

Mix in a caramel syrup and a pinch of sea salt to the espresso for a sweet and salty flavor profile.

Pumpkin Spice Shaken Espresso (Seasonal):

Perfect for the fall, add a bit of pumpkin spice syrup and a dash of pumpkin spice seasoning for a cozy, autumnal treat.

Coconut Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso:

Substitute oat milk with coconut milk and add a splash of coconut extract for a tropical twist.

FAQ’s:

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use your favorite milk, such as cashew milk, almond milk, soy milk, or regular dairy whole milk.

Do I need an espresso machine?

While an espresso machine is the real deal to get that rich espresso with the crema, you can also use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder as a substitute.

How do I get the frothy texture?

Shaking the espresso, brown sugar, and ice vigorously in a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight-fitting lid creates the frothy texture. You can also use a handheld milk frother to foam the milk before adding it.

Can I customize the sweetness?

Absolutely! Adjust how much sugar you add, try just a tablespoon of brown sugar if you don’t like sweet coffee drinks. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like coconut sugar, honey or maple syrup.

Which oatmilk do I buy for this recipe?

According to Starbucks website, they use the brand Oatly for their oatmilk. I usually get Chobani Oat milk, they also have a creamy oat milk option but since I add a cold foam I stick to regular oat milk.

Other iced coffee recipes you will enjoy:

Iced Eggnog Latte with Homemade Eggnog Recipe

How to make a Honey Lavender Iced Latte at home

Best Homemade Iced Coffee with Maple Syrup Recipe