You'll look forward to mornings with this Starbucks brown sugar shaken espresso in hand. Skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink.
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Starbucks’ brown sugar shaken espresso has taken the world by storm. Sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon and poured over crushed ice and cold oat milk, it’s not hard to see why it’s become a household favorite. And even during the colder months, it remains on the coffee chain’s winter menu. (I’m a cold coffee gal all year long, but I digress.)
While it may be tempting to run over to Starbucks each morning and snag a cup, we all know that can become a costly daily routine. Learn how to make brown sugar shaken espressos at home and never wait in a drive-thru line again!
How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Shake up your mornings with this Starbucks copycat recipe.
Espresso machine: Every serious at-home barista needs one! A real shot of espresso turns every coffee drink into a coffee shop-quality sipper.
Mason jar with lid: Shaking your coffee drink in a mason jar thoroughly incorporates the brown sugar and cinnamon with the espresso.
Reusable straw: While this may not be an essential item, sipping out of a metal reusable straw will elevate your coffee-drinking experience.
Directions
Step 1: Make the syrup
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water and brown sugar. Stir, then add the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare your espresso
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Make three shots (or four, if it’s that kind of day) using an espresso maker. Extra points if you use a bag of Starbucks Espresso Roast. Let cool slightly.
Editor’s Tip: If you don’t own an espresso maker, you can also use strong brewed coffee.
Step 3: Combine and shake
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Fill a Mason jar halfway with ice. Top with 2 to 4 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup (adjust to suit your preference for sweetness) and the cooled espresso. Seal the Mason jar with a lid and shake until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is slightly frothy.
Step 4: Serve
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Open the jar and strain the shaken espresso into a glass filled with fresh ice (or drink straight from the jar). Add a splash of oat milk and enjoy! Next, learn how to make a toasted vanilla oat milk shaken espresso.
FAQs About the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Is brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso sweet?
The standard recipe for a grande Starbucks brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso calls for 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup (that’s roughly 4 tablespoons). Most will say it’s a fairly sweet drink, but that’s, of course, subjective to individual taste. If you like your shaken espresso less sweet, reduce the amount of syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount.
What kind of oat milk does Starbucks use for this shaken espresso?
As of 2023, Starbucks uses Oatly oat milk at its locations in the United States. Oatly uses steel-cut oats for its alternative dairy products, which makes the oat milk extra rich and creamy.
In our recipe testing, we used Oatly’s full-fat oat milk.
Our Best Starbucks Copycat Recipes
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My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Get Our Recipe for Chai Tea Latte
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
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Inspired by: Starbucks Egg BitesYou can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
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Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg SandwichOn a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
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Inspired by: Starbucks Everything BagelWho has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired by: Starbucks Gingerbread LoafI created a copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf that’s the perfect addition to my holiday baking. Served with a thick layer of frosting, it’s delicious with a cup of coffee. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon LoafMy family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice LatteEach sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold BrewCold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
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Inspired by: Starbucks Banana Walnut & Pecan LoafThis quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea LemonadeI have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
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Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Chocolate Chip CookieMy take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It's big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Lauren Habermehl is a recipe developer, food photographer and creator of the blog, Frydae. She is a prolific quoter of FRIENDS, lover of weekend DIY projects and procrastinating fitness enthusiast who enjoys exploring the Milwaukee-area with her husband, daughter and ugly mutt named Tyson Doodles.
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Updated: May 04, 2023
