If you love Starbucks’ brown sugar and oat milk shaken espresso, this homemade version is perfect for you. It’s super simple to make. You can whip it up in just a few minutes whenever you need a morning caffeine boost or a sweet afternoon treat.

Baristas use brown sugar syrup to make this drink in coffee shops. But you don’t need to spend time making and cooling your own syrup. Just dissolve brown sugar in warm, brewed espresso, and it will sweeten and flavor the drink perfectly.

A shaken espresso is made just like a cocktail. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well until it’s foamy and cold. Pour the mix of espresso, brown sugar, and cinnamon over ice, then top it with chilled oat milk. The oat milk shaken Espresso will create a pretty layered look. Stir it with your straw before drinking to mix everything together.

You can make these drinks one at a time or prepare a bigger batch by doubling or tripling the recipe. The result is a smooth and creamy drink with a hint of warm sweetness.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start Oat Milk Shaken Espresso.

02

Take a small shaker or jar with a tight lid. Add the espresso, brown sugar, and cinnamon to it. Make sure everything is ready to mix well.

03

Stir the warm espresso until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.

04

Put 1/2 cup of ice into the shaker. Close the lid tightly and shake it well.

05

Fill a tall glass with the rest of the ice.

06

Pour the shaken espresso mixture into the glass with ice.

07

Top the drink with cold oat milk. Serve it right away.

FAQs:

1. What is a Copycat Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso?

This is your homemade version of the famous Starbucks drink! If you’re a fan of the sweet, creamy goodness of a shaken espresso, this version uses a simple combination of espresso, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat milk. When shaken together, it creates a frothy, indulgent beverage that’s both energizing and comforting. And the best part? You can make it at home, without the barista! It’s the perfect treat for those who crave a mix of caffeine and sweetness, without needing to go out.

2. Can I make Oat Milk Shaken Espresso without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! Not everyone has an espresso machine at home, but don’t worry—you can still enjoy this drink. If you don’t have espresso, you can brew a very strong cup of coffee using your regular coffee maker. Just make sure it’s brewed extra strong, and you’ll get a similar bold flavor. Another great option is instant espresso powder, which can be dissolved in hot water to mimic the taste of real espresso.

3. What makes Oat Milk Shaken Espresso different from regular coffee?

Espresso is like coffee’s bolder, richer cousin. While coffee is typically brewed at a lower pressure and with a higher water-to-grounds ratio, espresso is brewed under high pressure with finely ground coffee. This gives it a thick, strong flavor that’s ideal for blending with other ingredients, like brown sugar and oat milk. Regular coffee is thinner, and its flavor is milder, so it wouldn’t create the same deep, robust taste in a drink like this.

4. Why is Oat Milk Shaken Espresso used in this recipe?

Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is a popular choice in this recipe for a few reasons. First, it’s naturally creamy and thick, which helps give the drink a smooth, velvety texture. It also has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the brown sugar and cinnamon perfectly. Plus, it’s plant-based, making it a great choice for those avoiding dairy. The combination of oat milk with espresso creates the perfect balance of flavors for a rich, satisfying drink.

5. Can I use a different milk instead of oat milk?

Yes, you can definitely swap Oat Milk Shaken Espresso with other milk options. Almond milk or soy milk are good alternatives if you’re looking for something with a different flavor profile. However, if you’re craving that extra creaminess, coconut milk might also be an option, though it will add a distinct coconut flavor. For those who prefer dairy, regular milk works too, but it won’t have the same smooth, slightly sweet flavor that oat milk gives.

6. How do I make the brown sugar syrup at home?

Traditionally, baristas use a homemade brown sugar syrup in coffee drinks, but this recipe keeps it simple. Instead of making and cooling a syrup, you just dissolve brown sugar directly into the warm espresso. This saves you time and still gets that lovely caramelized sweetness that makes the drink so delicious. Plus, it ensures that the sugar fully blends in, giving the drink an even sweetness.

7. How much brown sugar should I use?

The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of firmly packed brown sugar per serving, which is just the right amount to give your drink that perfect balance of sweetness. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add a little more brown sugar. However, keep in mind that this drink is meant to be sweet but not overpowering, so adjust the sugar to your taste.

8. Can I make Oat Milk Shaken Espresso in large batches?

Yes! If you’re making Oat Milk Shaken Espresso for more than one person, or want to have some ready for later, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. The ingredients mix well in larger batches. Just prepare it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink, shake it again before serving to get that frothy texture back.

9. What kind of cinnamon should I use Oat Milk Shaken Espresso?

Ground cinnamon is the most common choice in Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, and it’s easy to find. But for the best flavor, make sure your cinnamon is fresh. If you want to add a twist, you could experiment with different types of cinnamon, like Ceylon cinnamon, which is known for being sweeter and milder. Freshly ground cinnamon is always a great option too if you have it on hand!

10. How long does it take to make Oat Milk Shaken Espresso?

This drink is incredibly quick to make! The entire process—brewing the espresso, dissolving the sugar, and shaking everything up—takes only about 3 minutes. It’s a fast and easy way to get a caffeine fix that feels like a special treat.

11. Can I make Oat Milk Shaken Espresso without shaking it?

Shaking is what gives this drink its signature frothy texture, so skipping this step means missing out on that lovely foam. If you don’t shake it, the drink will still taste good, but it won’t have that creamy, frothy layer that’s part of the fun. Shaking also helps blend all the ingredients together, creating a smooth, well-mixed beverage.

12. What kind of ice should I use?

Use regular ice cubes for this recipe. The ice helps chill the espresso quickly and is important for creating that frothy texture when shaken. Crushed ice could work too, but cubes are better because they don’t melt as quickly, which helps keep your drink cold for longer.

13. Can I make Oat Milk Shaken Espresso with decaf espresso?

Of course! If you’re looking to avoid caffeine but still want the flavor of this delicious drink, just use decaf espresso. You’ll still get that smooth texture and sweet, rich taste, minus the caffeine boost.

14. How can I store leftover shaken espresso?

Leftover shaken espresso can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply give it a good shake to restore the froth and chill it back down if needed. It’s best to consume it within a day for the freshest taste.

15. Can I make Oat Milk Shaken Espresso sweeter?

Definitely! If you like your drinks extra sweet, you can add more brown sugar or even a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel. However, remember that the drink already has a nice balance of sweetness, so it’s best to adjust it gradually and taste as you go.

16. Is Oat Milk Shaken Espresso healthy?

While Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is a tasty treat, it does contain sugar and calories from the brown sugar and oat milk. It’s a healthier alternative to many sugar-heavy coffee shop drinks, especially if you control the sugar amount. If you want to make it lighter, consider reducing the brown sugar or choosing a lower-calorie oat milk.

17. Can I add flavored syrups to the drink?

Yes, the beauty of this drink is how customizable it is! You can add flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or even maple to change the flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations to create your perfect drink.

18. What is the best type of coffee to use for this drink?

Espresso beans are ideal for this recipe because they’re finely ground, giving you that rich, concentrated flavor that’s essential for a good shaken espresso. If you don’t have espresso beans, a dark roast coffee will work well too. Just make sure it’s brewed extra strong to match the intensity of espresso.

19. How do I get the frothy texture in this drink?

Shaking the drink with ice is what creates that beautiful froth. When you shake the mixture, air bubbles form in the liquid, creating a foam that sits on top of the drink. The colder the drink and the more vigorously you shake it, the fluffier the foam will be.

20. Can I make this brown sugar shaken espresso drink hot instead of iced?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of iced drinks, you can skip the ice and simply make brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso with warm espresso and warm oat milk. It’s just as delicious and gives you the same comforting flavor, but in a cozy, hot form.