Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat)
When Starbucks released their Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, my husband Troy, an espresso aficionado with a love for Starbucks and oat milk, was first in line to try it.
Although I am not a coffee drinker, I had to taste it to see what the hype was about. I have to admit, it was pretty dang good. However, while in the drive-through with Troy, I was shocked to hear it was almost $6 for a small glass. This revelation set us on a journey to recreate this Starbucks favorite at home.
Why Pay $6 for a Coffee When You Can Make It at Home?
I have always been someone who balks at the idea of spending $6 on a specialty drink, especially when it can be made at home with more wholesome ingredients. Determined to replicate the Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Troy and I got to work in our own kitchen. After several attempts, we finally nailed a copycat version that was strikingly close to the real deal!
Since then, Starbucks has discontinued this drink, making it even harder to find. If you, like us, loved this drink and want to make it at home, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!
What’s Really in Your Drink?
At Starbucks:
Starbucks' version contains oat milk with additives like canola oil and other ingredients that are hard to pronounce. Their brown sugar syrup also includes "natural flavors," which can be a vague term for artificial additives.
See photo below:
My Homemade Version:
Ice, Oat Milk (filtered water, organic gluten-free oats, Himalayan pink salt), Espresso, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Vanilla
I love using the MALK brand for oat milk—their ingredients are super clean. See the photo below!
Coffee Alternative
If you don’t have a Nespresso machine, you can simply use any strong coffee. You can use 2 scoops of Everyday Dose mixed with hot water.
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The Perfect Recipe for Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
2 shots of espresso (We used our Nespresso machine, but any espresso maker will do. Starbucks uses a blonde roast.)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (We use dark brown sugar for a richer taste, but light brown sugar works too.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to your personal preference)
1/2 cup oat milk
1 cup ice
My Go-To Kitchen Tool + Products for This Recipe
Instructions
1. Brew the espresso and pour it into a shaker with a lid while it's still warm.
2. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the mixture becomes frothy.
3. Pour the shaken espresso into a glass, then add the oat milk and ice. Stir gently and enjoy!
Watch How It’s Made!
How Does the Homemade Version Compare?
Troy and I were pleasantly surprised by how close our copycat recipe came to the Starbucks version. The rich espresso combined with the sweet brown sugar and creamy oat milk created a perfect drink. The dash of cinnamon added a warm, comforting flavor that complemented the other ingredients beautifully.
Does It Taste Like the Real Deal?
For us, it tasted just like the real deal. The combination of espresso shots, brown sugar, and oat milk was spot on. Plus, we could adjust the sweetness and cinnamon levels to suit our own tastes. The homemade version allowed us to use simple ingredients without any preservatives or artificial flavors.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Want to switch things up? Here are some simple ingredient swaps to customize your drink while keeping the flavors delicious:
Espresso → Strong brewed coffee (about ¼ cup)
Brown sugar → Coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey
Vanilla extract → Vanilla bean paste or almond extract
Cinnamon → Pumpkin spice or nutmeg for a different flavor
Oat milk → Almond milk, cashew milk, or regular dairy milk
Ice → Frozen coffee cubes for a stronger coffee flavor
Swapping the Sugar? Here’s How:
If you prefer a different sweetener, here’s how to adjust the amount:
Brown sugar → Coconut sugar (1:1 ratio, use 2 tbsp)
Brown sugar → Maple syrup (Use 1.5 tbsp instead of 2 tbsp)
Brown sugar → Honey (Use 1.5 tbsp instead of 2 tbsp)
Tips for Making This at Home
No shaker? Use a mason jar with a tight lid or a protein shaker bottle. Just make sure it’s sealed well before shaking!
Don’t want to shake it? Stir everything together while the espresso is warm to dissolve the sugar, then use a handheld frother or whisk to create a foamy texture.
Best oat milk to use? For the cleanest taste, use oat milk with no added oils or fillers. Some great options include MALK or Three Trees.
Adjusting the Sweetness
Sweeter: Increase the brown sugar to 3 tbsp.
Less Sweet: Reduce the brown sugar to 1 tbsp.
Want a Blended Version?
Add everything to a blender with an extra ½ cup of ice and blend until smooth for a creamy, frozen coffee treat!
Want More Coffee Recipes?
If you’re looking to try more delicious, copycat coffee drinks at home, check out these recipes:
Storing Your Espresso Mixture
If you have any leftover espresso mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you can quickly whip up another iced brown sugar shaken espresso next time without starting from scratch.
Recreating the Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at home has been a fun and rewarding experiment. It’s a fraction of the price and can be tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re using a Nespresso machine, a French press, or a stovetop espresso maker, this copycat Starbucks recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did it live up to your expectations? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going about this delightful espresso drink!
Happy brewing!
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat)
Make a creamy iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso at home with espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon—just like Starbucks, but for less!
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Brew the espresso and pour it into a shaker with a lid while it's still warm.
- Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Pour the shaken espresso into a glass, then add the oat milk and ice. Stir gently and enjoy!
