Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

This iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso delivers all the rich flavor and velvety texture of the Starbucks favorite, but with a simpler approach that actually improves on the original. After testing multiple variations, I discovered that regular brown sugar creates the perfect caramelized sweetness—no fancy syrup required. The combination of freshly shaken espresso, brown sugar’s deep molasses notes, and creamy oat milk creates a balanced coffee drink that’s refreshing yet satisfying. One sip of this homemade version and you’ll wonder why you ever spent $5+ at the coffee shop.

With 20+ specialty coffee recipes (and counting!) on my website, I’ve dedicated considerable time to perfecting coffee shop favorites at home. This brown sugar shaken espresso recipe came together after numerous test batches, where I adjusted everything from the strength of the espresso to the type of oat milk that works best. My recipe testers and readers consistently report that they prefer this homemade version to the coffee shop original—both for its flavor and the money they save.

This brown sugar shaken espresso joins my collection of coffee shop-inspired drinks including my popular iced chocolate almondmilk shaken espresso, iced white chocolate mochas, and honey almond milk cold brew recipes to name a few. Each recipe has been carefully tested to ensure you can create the perfect coffee experience in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying every sip just as much (or more!) than the original.

What is Shaken Espresso?

A shaken espresso is a popular summertime beverage at Starbucks that is based on the popular Italian iced espresso drink called a shakerato. 

The general process for making shaken espresso is to add hot espresso, sugar or simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake until combined and cold.

Most shaken espresso drinks in the US are then topped with some type of milk.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Espresso Starbucks Recipe

Brown Sugar. You can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for this recipe. Dark brown sugar has more molasses by volume than light, resulting in a more robust flavor.

Vanilla Extract. Adds a hint of delicious vanilla flavor and a touch of sweetness to your coffee.

Optional: Ground Cinnamon. If desired, add a dash of cinnamon to your mason jar and/or on top of your shaken espresso. Adding this is really based on your personal preferences. I really enjoy it with and without the cinnamon.

Espresso or Strong Coffee. If you bought a Starbucks iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso, it would be made with the Starbucks Blonde Espresso roast. However, I always recommend using whatever kind of espresso or coffee blend is your favorite when making homemade coffee drinks. Whether you use regular espresso or prefer to brew strong coffee, this easy Starbucks copycat recipe will be a delicious drink. 

Ice. Used during shaking to cool down your drink.

Unsweetened Oat Milk. Creamy oat milk works perfectly in this brown sugar espresso drink. We’re using unsweetened as you’ll get more than enough sweetness from the brown sugar already.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Starbucks Recipe Variations

• Use a different milk. Not into oat milk? No problem. This iced shaken espresso recipe work great with dairy milk and other non-dairy milks too!
• Use brown sugar simple syrup. While I don’t find a need to use a simple syrup in this recipe, brown sugar simple syrup is what Starbucks uses to make this drink. If you’ve purchased or made brown sugar simple syrup, use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar simple syrup per drink (in lieu of the brown sugar listed in the recipe card).

How to Make an Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe

Step 1: Add brown sugar to a mason jar.

Step 2: Add hot espresso (or strongly brewed coffee) on top of the brown sugar.

Step 3: Add vanilla extract to the hot coffee and brown sugar and then stir to combine.

Step 4: Fill the jar about half full with ice.

Step 5: Tightly secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the coffee feels cold and looks frothy.

Step 6: Remove the lid and top with oat milk.

Step 7: Add a straw, stir to combine, and enjoy!

Possible Dietary Restrictions?

This Starbucks iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso copycat recipe is vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free as written. See below for modification to make this a vegan coffee recipe.

• Make this into a vegan iced coffee by swapping out the brown sugar for a vegan-friendly sweetener such as pure maple syrup. This will no longer be a brown sugar shaken espresso, but it will still taste lovely.
• A note for those needing to make a gluten free coffee: verify the oat milk chosen is certified to be gluten free. This is especially important if you’re serving this iced coffee to someone with a gluten intolerance and may be affected by cross-contamination.

Helpful Equipment

I personally love making homemade espresso with a moka pot because it’s a simple, small, and affordable way to brew espresso. If you have the space and drink espresso a lot, an espresso maker may be a good investment for you!

Using a 16oz wide-mouth mason jar + lid is the easiest way to make a homemade shaken espresso. Plus, mason jars can be used for so many things, they’re a great thing to have around the house.

I also recommend using reusable straws when you can because they’re a better option for the environment.