Go Back
To make a great brown sugar shaken espresso, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 shots of espresso - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon milk (your choice: whole, oat, almond, etc.) - Ice cubes - A pinch of cinnamon (optional) - Whipped cream (optional for topping) These ingredients come together to create a sweet and frothy drink. The brown sugar adds a deep flavor that pairs well with the espresso. For the best flavor, choose high-quality coffee beans. I recommend using medium to dark roast beans. They have a rich taste and balance well with the sweetness of brown sugar. Look for beans that say "Arabica" on the label. Arabica beans are known for their smooth flavor and aroma. If you can, grind your beans just before brewing. This keeps them fresh and full of flavor. If you want to change things up, you can swap the brown sugar for different sweeteners. Try maple syrup or honey for a unique taste. For dairy, there are many options. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work great. Each type of milk brings its own flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! To start, you need two shots of espresso. Use your favorite coffee machine. Make sure your beans are fresh for the best flavor. I like to grind my beans just before brewing. This way, you get a rich taste. Brew the espresso until it is smooth and strong. Once your espresso is hot, add two tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir it well until it fully dissolves. The heat from the espresso helps the sugar mix in easily. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon at this point for extra flavor. It gives a nice warmth to the drink. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour your sweetened espresso over the ice. Now, shake it vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. This step is key for a creamy texture. The shaking cools the drink and creates a frothy top. After shaking, strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Add a splash of milk to your liking. Stir gently to mix. If you want, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy your homemade brown sugar shaken espresso! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get that perfect frothiness in your espresso, start with fresh, hot espresso. Use a good coffee machine for brewing. The heat helps dissolve the sugar well. When you shake the espresso with ice, it creates air bubbles. This is where the froth comes from. Shake it hard for 15-20 seconds. You want it chilled and foamy. Ice plays a big role in your drink. Use large ice cubes instead of small ones. Large cubes melt slower. This means less dilution in your drink. Fill your shaker with ice but not too much. You want room to shake well. After shaking, strain the espresso over fresh ice in your glass. This keeps it cold without watering it down too fast. Sweetness is key for balance in your espresso. Start with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. If you love it sweet, add a bit more. You can always taste before shaking. If it’s too sweet, add more milk to tone it down. You can also try other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This drink is all about what you like. Experiment until you find your sweet spot. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegan version. Just swap regular milk for plant-based milk. Almond, oat, or soy milk works well. Use a non-dairy whipped cream to top your drink if you want that creamy finish. This way, you keep the rich taste without any animal products. You can add fun seasonal flavors to change things up. In fall, try adding pumpkin spice for a cozy twist. In the winter, peppermint syrup brings a fresh taste. In spring, a splash of vanilla can brighten your drink. Summer is perfect for fruity flavors like strawberry or peach. These small changes can make your drink feel new and exciting. Both iced and hot versions are delicious, but they offer different experiences. The iced version is refreshing and perfect for warm days. The hot version gives a cozy feel, great for chilly mornings. To make the hot drink, skip the ice and serve it right after shaking. Both styles let you enjoy the rich flavor of espresso and sweet brown sugar. If you have leftover espresso, cool it first. Pour it into a clean, airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling, as it can change the flavor. You can make espresso ahead of time. Brew your espresso and let it cool. Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. This way, you have espresso cubes ready to go. Just pop a few cubes into your drink when you want a quick treat. This method keeps your drink cold without watering it down. To store ingredients, keep brown sugar in a cool, dry place. It lasts for months when sealed well. For milk, check the expiration date. Store it in the fridge and use it within a week after opening. If you prefer non-dairy options, keep them sealed in the fridge too. This makes sure they stay fresh for your next Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Copycat. Yes, you can use instant coffee. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee with hot water. This will give you a similar flavor. The taste may not be as rich, but it works in a pinch. Instant coffee provides a quick fix, making it easy for busy mornings. The best milk alternative depends on your taste. Oat milk is creamy and blends well. Almond milk is lighter and has a nutty flavor. Soy milk is a popular choice too. Each option adds a unique touch to your drink. Try different ones to find your favorite! To lower calories, reduce or skip the brown sugar. You can also use lower-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Choose unsweetened milk alternatives for fewer calories. These swaps help keep the flavor without adding extra carbs or sugar. Enjoy your drink guilt-free! You now have everything you need to make a great Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. Remember the key ingredients and follow the steps for brewing. Use my tips for the perfect froth and balance your sweetness. Explore fun variations to keep your drink fresh. Don’t forget how to store your espresso or ingredients for future use. This drink can be your go-to, whether hot or cold. Enjoy every sip as you perfect your technique. With practice, you’ll impress yourself and others with your skills.

Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Copycat

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Copycat recipe! With just a few simple ingredients like fresh espresso, brown sugar, and your choice of milk, you can recreate this café favorite at home. Perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up, this drink is easy to make in just 10 minutes.
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 shots of espresso

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon milk (your choice: whole, oat, almond, etc.)

Ice cubes

A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Whipped cream (optional for topping)

Instructions
 

Brew 2 shots of espresso using your favorite coffee machine.

    While the espresso is still hot, stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.

      Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then pour the sweetened espresso over the ice.

        Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.

          Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.

            Add a splash of milk to your preference; stir gently to combine.

              If desired, top your drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

                Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1