Imagine a drink that perfectly balances rich espresso with the creamy sweetness of brown sugar and oatmilk, all shaken into a frothy delight. That’s the iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso for you!
It’s ideal for those mornings when you need a quick pick-me-up or a refreshing afternoon treat. This Starbucks drink is delicious but also super easy to make at home. All it takes is 5 simple ingredients and no syrups!
Let’s dive into how you can whip up this coffee shop favorite right in your kitchen.
List of Ingredients •Espresso or strongly brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine •Brown sugar •Oatmilk •Ice cubes •Cinnamon |
Equipment Needed: •Espresso machine or coffee maker •Cocktail shaker (or a jar with a tight-fitting lid) •Measuring spoons •Glass for serving |
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe Step-By-Step Guide
1. Brew Your Espresso

Start by brewing two shots of espresso using your espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a small, strong cup of coffee as a substitute.
Aim for a rich, concentrated flavor to mimic the intensity of espresso. A French press or a Moka pot are great alternatives that can achieve this strength. Measure out about 2 ounces of coffee for the perfect balance.
2. Mix the Sweetener

Once your espresso or strong coffee is ready, immediately mix in the brown sugar while it’s still hot. The heat from the espresso will help the sugar dissolve completely, avoiding any gritty texture in your drink.
Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, sweet syrup. This sweetens your espresso and infuses it with a caramel-like flavor that complements the oatmilk beautifully.
3. Prepare Your Shaker
Grab your cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Fill it about halfway with ice cubes. This is important as the ice will cool down the espresso mixture quickly while shaking, which improves the drink’s texture by creating a frothy top layer.
4. Combine and Shake

Pour the sweetened espresso mixture over the ice in the shaker. Add 1/2 cup of oatmilk—preferably a barista blend for that extra creamy frothiness. Secure the lid tightly and shake. If it feels like your arm is getting a workout you’re doing it right.
The goal here is to chill the mixture quickly while aerating it, to create that rich, velvety froth. Shake for about 15-30 seconds.
You’ll know it’s done when the shaker feels cold to the touch and you can hear the tone of the shake change as the mixture thickens.
5. Combine Shaken Espresso With Milk
Take out a glass and fill it two-thirds with ice cubes and milk.
After shaking, immediately strain the mixture into a glass with ice and milk. This ensures your drink is ice-cold and refreshing, with a creamy foam on top.
6. Add Cinnamon (Optional)
For an added touch of flavor and aesthetics, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the froth. The cinnamon adds a pleasant spice that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Variations

Vanilla Delight
To add an aromatic touch to your iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso, add a splash of vanilla extract. Do this by adding about 1/2 teaspoon of high-quality vanilla extract to the espresso after mixing in the brown sugar.
The vanilla improves the sweetness and also brings a warm, floral aroma that pairs well with the earthiness of the espresso and the nuttiness of the oatmilk.
Caramel Swirl
If you have a sweet tooth, bring the iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso recipe to new heights by drizzling caramel sauce over the finished drink.
Prepare your iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso as usual, and once served in the glass, top it with a generous swirl of caramel sauce.
The caramel will slowly blend into the drink, adding a rich, buttery depth that complements the brown sugar beautifully.
Spiced Up
To infuse your coffee with spices, start by adding a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the brown sugar before mixing it into the espresso. These spices add a warm, aromatic quality that is perfect for cooler weather.
Both cardamom and nutmeg pair well with coffee and enhance the drink’s overall flavor without overpowering it.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Tips and Tricks

Chill Your Espresso
For the best iced coffee experience, try chilling your brewed espresso in the refrigerator before adding it to your shaker. This maintains the integrity of the ice (by preventing it from melting too quickly) and also ensures that your drink stays cooler for longer.
Shake Well
The shaking process is crucial to get that signature frothy texture of a shaken espresso. When you shake the mixture, the motion aerates the liquid, for a rich, creamy froth that distinguishes the shaken espresso from other iced coffees.
Make sure to shake the mixture until the shaker becomes cold to the touch and you can hear the sound of the ice and liquid thickening. This usually takes between 15 to 30 seconds of vigorous shaking.
Customize Your Sweetness
Start with a tablespoon of brown sugar as suggested, but don’t hesitate to adjust this quantity. If you prefer a sweeter drink, gradually add more sugar until you get your preferred level of sweet flavor. Or, if you’re sensitive to sugar, start with less and add more as needed.

Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
- 1 tbs brown sugar Adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup oat milk Preferably barista blend for the best froth
- Ice cubes Enough to fill your glass
- A pinch of cinnamon Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Brew Espresso: Brew two shots of espresso or a small, strong cup of coffee using a French press or Moka pot for intensity.
- Mix Sweetener: While hot, mix the brown sugar into the espresso until fully dissolved, creating a smooth syrup.
- Prepare Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker or jar halfway with ice cubes.
- Combine and Shake: Add the sweetened espresso and oatmilk to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds until the mixture is frothy and cold.
- Serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and milk. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor.
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