Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso À La Starbucks -

You've probably noticed the growing popularity of Starbucks' Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, and for good reason. This trendy drink combines rich espresso with creamy oat milk and a sweet brown sugar kick that'll wake up your taste buds. While it's tempting to make daily coffee runs, you can master this drink at home with a few simple ingredients and techniques. Let's explore how you can create this coffee shop favorite in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

This homemade beverage combines freshly brewed espresso, brown sugar syrup, ice, and oat milk to replicate Starbucks' popular drink.
Shake two shots of espresso with brown sugar syrup and ice for 30 seconds to create the signature frothy texture.
Layer the strained espresso mixture over ice and slowly pour oat milk for an Instagram-worthy gradient effect.
High-quality oat milk is essential for proper frothing and achieving the creamy, dairy-free finish characteristic of this drink.
Customize sweetness by adjusting brown sugar amounts and enhance flavor with optional cinnamon or vanilla additions.

Why you'll love this recipe

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking to save money on your daily caffeine fix, this homemade version of the popular Starbucks drink will quickly become your new favorite recipe.

You'll love how easy it's to customize the sweetness level and adjust the ingredients to match your preferences perfectly. Infused water can also be a fantastic addition to your daily routine, providing hydration and enhancing your overall well-being.

This recipe doesn't just save you money – it also gives you complete control over the quality of ingredients you're using.

You'll appreciate knowing exactly what goes into your drink, and you can make it with organic espresso or your preferred oat milk brand.

Plus, you won't have to wait in long coffee shop lines or worry about your drink being made incorrectly.

Best of all, you can enjoy this invigorating beverage any time you want, right from your kitchen.

Ingredient notes

The key ingredients in this recipe work together to create that signature coffee shop taste you love.

You'll need fresh espresso shots for the bold coffee base, though strong brewed coffee works in a pinch. Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that's essential to the drink's character, while oat milk provides a creamy, dairy-free finish that perfectly complements the coffee.

For the best results, you'll want to use high-quality oat milk that's specifically made for coffee drinks, as it'll froth better and won't separate when mixed with the espresso.

Don't forget that you can adjust the sweetness by using more or less brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract will enhance the drink's warming flavors. Additionally, pairing this delightful beverage with herbal teas for health benefits can offer further wellness support and relaxation throughout your day.

Origin of the recipe

Starbucks introduced this popular drink in March 2021 as part of their spring menu lineup, quickly becoming a fan favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

The beverage was created to meet the growing demand for plant-based options, combining traditional espresso-making techniques with modern flavor preferences.

You'll find that this drink's origins blend classic Italian shaken espresso methods with contemporary touches, like the addition of oat milk and brown sugar syrup.

When Starbucks first released it, customers were drawn to its perfect balance of sweetness and coffee intensity, making it an instant hit on social media.

What's particularly interesting is that the drink's creation was inspired by the rising popularity of both cold coffee beverages and dairy alternatives in the coffee industry.

How to make the recipe

You'll start by brewing fresh espresso shots and dissolving brown sugar in a splash of hot water to create a sweet base for your drink.

Next, you'll combine the espresso mixture with ice in a shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 30 seconds until it's perfectly chilled and frothy.

Finally, you'll strain this mixture over ice, top it with creamy oat milk, and if you'd like, add a sprinkle of cinnamon for that perfect finishing touch.

Step 1. Brew Fresh Espresso Shots

Start by brewing two fresh shots of espresso using your espresso machine, aiming for about 2 ounces total.

If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use a moka pot or strong coffee from a French press as alternatives.

When pulling your shots, look for that rich golden crema on top – it's a sign you've got the perfect extraction.

You'll want your espresso to be hot and fresh for the best results, as this helps the brown sugar dissolve more easily in the next step.

If you're using alternative brewing methods, make sure your coffee is extra strong to mimic that bold espresso flavor.

The quality of your espresso shots will greatly impact the final taste of your drink.

Step 2. Dissolve Brown Sugar Mixture

With your freshly brewed espresso ready, the next significant step brings in the signature sweetness of this drink.

You'll want to combine 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with a splash of hot water in your shaker or jar, stirring until it's completely dissolved. This creates a rich, caramel-like base that'll perfectly complement your espresso.

For the best results when dissolving your brown sugar:

Use hot water that's just below boiling temperature
Stir in a circular motion until no granules remain
Don't add too much water – just enough to create a syrupy consistency
Make sure to dissolve the sugar before adding your espresso

This step is essential for achieving that smooth, well-balanced sweetness that makes this drink so popular, without any grainy texture in your final beverage.

Step 3. Shake Espresso Vigorously

Once the brown sugar has completely dissolved, it's time for the most energetic part of creating your drink.

Pour your hot espresso shots into a cocktail shaker or mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, and add a generous amount of ice cubes. Make sure your lid is securely fastened to prevent any spills.

Now, channel your inner barista and shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds. You'll notice the espresso becoming frothy and well-chilled as you shake.

This step isn't just about cooling the coffee – it's also creating that signature velvet-like texture that makes this drink special. If you're using a clear container, you'll see the color lighten slightly as tiny air bubbles incorporate into the mixture.

Step 4. Pour Oat Milk Over Mixture

After your invigorating shake, strain the chilled espresso mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.

Now it's time for the oat milk, which you'll want to pour slowly over your espresso mixture to create beautiful layers. The oat milk will naturally settle as you pour, creating that signature Starbucks look you love.

For the perfect oat milk pour, remember these key tips:

Hold your glass at a slight angle while pouring
Pour the oat milk slowly along the inside of the glass
Use cold oat milk for the best layering effect
Stop pouring when the milk reaches about 1/2 inch from the rim

You'll notice the oat milk creating a gorgeous cascade effect as it mingles with the espresso, resulting in that perfect coffee shop presentation you're aiming for.

Step 5. Add Cinnamon and Garnish

The finishing touches will transform your shaken espresso into a café-worthy masterpiece.

Lightly dust the top of your drink with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, letting it rest on the foamy surface created by the oat milk. If you'd like, you can use a spoon to gently swirl the cinnamon into artistic patterns, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation.

For an extra special touch, you can garnish your drink with a cinnamon stick, which not only looks beautiful but also adds more spice as you sip.

Don't forget to give your drink a quick stir before enjoying, as this will help blend all the flavors together. You'll love how the warm notes of cinnamon complement the rich brown sugar and smooth espresso.

If you liked this you may also like

Since you enjoy crafting coffee drinks at home, you'll love trying other creative variations like a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Caramel Macchiato, or Cinnamon Dolce Latte.

These drinks share similar techniques and ingredients, making them perfect next steps in your coffee-making journey. Additionally, consider refreshing your palate with a vibrant Christmas Lively Pomegranate Citrus Water Infusion, which offers health benefits and delightful flavors.

Here are some popular coffee drinks to explore next:

Vietnamese Iced Coffee – A bold blend of strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk
Affogato – A scoop of vanilla ice cream "drowned" in hot espresso
Dalgona Coffee – A whipped coffee sensation that's both pretty and delicious
Matcha Green Tea Latte – A caffeine alternative with earthy, complex flavors

Each of these beverages offers unique flavors and textures, helping you expand your homemade drink repertoire while saving money on coffee shop visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Store Brown Sugar Syrup in the Refrigerator?

You can store homemade brown sugar syrup in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, as long as you've prepared it properly by fully dissolving the sugar.

For the best quality and taste, make sure to check for any signs of crystallization or mold before using.

If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, it's best to make a fresh batch.

Can I Use Instant Espresso Powder Instead of Brewed Espresso?

You can use instant espresso powder as a substitute, but you'll need to adjust the ratio for the best flavor.

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder with 2 ounces of hot water to replicate two shots of espresso.

While it won't be identical to freshly brewed espresso, it's a convenient alternative that'll still give you that rich coffee taste when you're in a pinch.

Why Does My Drink Separate After a Few Minutes?

Your drink separates because coffee and milk have different densities, with milk being heavier than coffee.

Even after shaking, these layers will naturally settle over time.

To prevent separation, you can try shaking your drink more vigorously, using colder ingredients, or stirring occasionally while you drink.

If you're making it ahead, give it a quick shake or stir before enjoying.

What's the Caffeine Content Compared to the Starbucks Version?

Your homemade version with two shots of espresso contains about 150mg of caffeine, while Starbucks' Grande (16oz) version packs around 255mg due to their use of three shots.

If you'd like to match Starbucks' caffeine content exactly, you'll need to add another shot of espresso to your drink.

Which Brands of Oat Milk Work Best for This Recipe?

For the best results, you'll want to use Oatly Barista Edition or Califia Farms Barista Blend, as they're specifically formulated to foam and blend well in coffee drinks.

Planet Oat and Minor Figures are also excellent choices that won't separate when mixed with hot espresso.

If you can't find these brands, look for "barista" versions of any oat milk, as they contain added stabilizers that help create that perfect, creamy texture.

Conclusion

You'll find this homemade Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso isn't just a money-saver, it's your ticket to coffee shop quality at home. With just a few simple ingredients and your personal touch, you can craft this perfectly balanced drink whenever you'd like. Don't be afraid to experiment with the sweetness level or add extras like vanilla and cinnamon until you've created your ideal version.