It is easy to make a brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso that tastes just like what you get at Starbucks! It has a caramelly brown sugar syrup, a dash of cinnamon, espresso, and creamy oatmilk. I'll even show you different coffees that work well, in case you don't own an espresso machine.
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I fell in love with the brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso with the first sip that I took! After venting to a friend that I was now going to be spending six dollars a day to get this drink, she said, "Why don't you make it at home?
Of course! I spent 15 years in the coffee industry, surely I can figure this drink out. I'm happy to say that it was so simple to replicate. And since I am no longer teaching baristas how to make great coffee, I thought it would be fun to teach you!
What Makes This Recipe Great
There are lots of Starbucks drinks that can be made at home, but few are easier than a shaken espresso. In less than the time you would spend sitting in the drive-thru lane, you can be sipping on a cool and creamy beverage, right in the comfort of your own home.
There are four simple ingredients. I will break them down in more detail shortly and will share some ways you can customize the drink to your preferences. But first, let's look at what each ingredient brings to the drink:
Brown Sugar Syrup: Sweetens the beverage and gives it a rich, caramelly flavor.
Cinnamon Powder: Oats and cinnamon go so well together. This warm spice makes the drink taste like a cookie!
Espresso: This is where you get your energy boost! Starbucks uses Blonde (light roast) espresso, but it is easy to customize.
Oatmilk: Oatmilk is a favorite amongst baristas, as it is creamy, easy to foam, and complements the espresso flavor.
Note: I didn't have any of the Oatly "barista edition" at home when I shot this photo, but if you are buying specifically for this drink then I recommend that one. It has more fat and is extra creamy!
What is Brown Sugar Syrup?
Brown sugar syrup is liquid brown sugar. It is made by melting brown sugar into water. This allows the sugar to easily distribute all throughout our drink instead of sitting on the bottom.
This syrup is easy to customize with different flavors. And in my post on how to make brown sugar syrup, there is even a suggestion on how to make it sugar-free!
What Kind of Coffee Should I Use?
The Starbucks recipe for this drink uses Blonde espresso. Blonde is a lighter roasted espresso bean that is very approachable. It adds a soft coffee flavor to the drink without being overwhelming.
I like a stronger coffee, so I use the Starbucks dark roast (signature) espresso instead.
Fun fact! Blonde espresso is roasted for less time than the dark roast, which results in less caffeine being cooked off. It has slightly more caffeine than its dark roast sibling.
Don't have an espresso machine? No problem! You can substitute double-strength brewed coffee. I have also tested this recipe with cold brew concentrate (undiluted) and it is delicious!
No matter the type of coffee you use, you will add 3 ounces to the drink.
What Does Shaking the Drink Do?
Shaking your ingredients together serves multiple purposes. It chills the drink, adds air to it (which helps give a frothy texture), and emulsifies the ingredients.
I have conducted side-by-side taste tests, comparing a shaken tea or espresso drink with one that is stirred. The results are astonishing! It really does taste better when you shake it!
Do I Need to Use the Oatly Brand?
There are many oatmilk brands out there, and while it is a matter of personal preference, I highly recommend the Oatly brand. Not only is it what Starbucks uses, but I think it tastes the best.
Some oatmilk products have a metallic taste to them, but Oatly is creamy and tastes like milk with a hint of oats. I think it is the perfect complement to the other flavors in this drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a 12 ounce cup of coffee, I recommend adding 8 ounces of brewed coffee, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar simple syrup, a dash of cinnamon powder, and topping it off with oatmilk. Customize the amounts according to your preference.
While you can certainly make a larger cup of coffee, I do not recommend making it in bulk to drink over multiple sittings. The drink is best when enjoyed right after it has been shaken.
More Drink Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please rate and review it so others can see what you thought Tag me in your photos on Instagram @stateofdinner. I would love to see your dish!
Recipe
Starbucks Copycat Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- .75 ounces brown sugar simple syrup
- 3 dashes ground cinnamon
- 3 ounces espresso or double-strength coffee
- 4 ounces Oatly oatmilk
Instructions
- Pour brown sugar simple syrup, ground cinnamon, and coffee over ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well (for about 30 seconds).
- Pour into your serving glass, then top with oatmilk.
- Enjoy immediately.
This tastes just like the real thing! It’s my new favorite Starbucks drink and I am so glad to be able to make it at home. This recipe is going to save me so much money! Thank you!
Hi Melanie! I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe and are now able to make your favorite drink at home!
Made this today and will be making this quite often! Working at Starbucks, I've definitely made this drink quite a few times. It tastes even better at home because I was able to save money on it and enjoy it without being at work!
Wow, so great to receive the "Barista Seal of Approval!" Thank you so much for sharing!