Coffee, Drinks, Popular, Vegan Food

Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat!)

116 comments

This Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso is the ultimate Starbucks dupe! Homemade brown sugar syrup with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, shaken with espresso and finished with creamy oat milk. This frothy, homemade version absolutely beats the Starbucks version!

photo of vegan brown sugar shaken espresso latte

What is a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?

If this is the first time you’ve come across this Starbucks inspired iced coffee, don’t be intimidated! I first came across this coffee drink on Tiktok in 2021. A girl who works at Starbucks shared a video of herself making their new drink – at the time it was set to launch in two weeks.

I got way too excited and decided I needed to learn how to make a homemade version NOW.

Shaken espresso is simply espresso shaken vigorously with ice and syrup until foamy. In this particular recipe, this shaken espresso is mixed with a dreamy brown sugar syrup until frothy, then finished with creamy oat milk. Trust me, it’s love at first sip!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Copycat Recipe

  • It’s cheaper. Going to Starbucks is fun and something I do from time to time, but it’s no secret that it’s expensive! Make this brown sugar espresso drink from the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price.
  • It’s easier to customize. Prefer a sweeter drink? Add more syrup! Need a stronger caffeine boost? Add an additional shot of espresso. You can also use any kind of milk you like.
  • Simple homemade brown sugar syrup. Making syrups from scratch is actually quite easy and much better for you than the pre-made ones at coffee shops. Once you try this one, you’ll be hooked!

If you love this recipe, you must try my Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso and Iced Pumpkin Spice Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, too!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions 

  • Brown sugar syrup – Starbucks of course uses their own pre-bottled brown sugar syrup, but I’ve cracked the code on the BEST at home syrup. All you need is brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, water, and vanilla. If you want a bolder flavoured syrup, use dark brown sugar.
  • Coffee – To make the most authentic coffee, it is best to use espresso shots using a home espresso maker. If this isn’t an option, the next best thing would be about 1/2 a cup of strong coffee or cold brew. The more concentrated the coffee, the better.
  • Oat milk – Starbucks’ coffee shop developed this recipe using unsweetened oat milk and I almost always have it on hand, so that’s what I used. You can of course use your favorite oat milk brand or any non-dairy milk of choice. Coconut milk, almond milk or soy milk would be great, creamy alternatives.

How to Make an Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

  1. Start by making the brown sugar syrup. In a small frying pan or small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. Once simmering, lower the heat and simmer the brown sugar mixture for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has slightly thickened. Set aside while you prep the rest of the drink.
  2. Next, brew the espresso. Place the shots of espresso in a glass mason jar along with 3 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup and a few ice cubes. Shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes, or until frothy.
  3. Serve. Divide the espresso mixture between two glasses filled with ice, then top with oat milk. Stir and enjoy immediately!

Storage Tips

As with any iced coffee, these iced shaken espressos are best enjoyed fresh. However, the brown sugar syrup recipe can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. For optimal freshness, store in an airtight container, such as a glass mason jar.

You can make a double batch or even quadruple batch of the simple syrup recipe, if desired. That way you can make these all week and it will be faster than driving to your local Starbucks!

Recipe FAQs 

Is the brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso sweet?

Yes, this iced coffee is sweetened. The best part about making it at home is you can adjust the sweetness to taste according to your personal preferences. If you typically enjoy your coffee without sugar or very lightly sweetened, start with just 1 1/2 tablespoons of syrup, then adjust as needed. Remember that it is always easier to add sweetener and difficult to adjust once it’s too sweet.

Can I make this Starbucks copycat recipe decaf?

Absolutely! Swap the caffeinated espresso with decaf and follow the recipe as usual. It will taste just as good as the caffeinated, real thing.

Do I need a cocktail shaker to make this recipe?

A cocktail shaker is a good option to vigorously shake iced drinks but not necessary. A simple mason jar with a tight fitting lid works just as well.

More Starbucks’ Copycat Recipes to Try Next

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Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Latte Recipe


  • Author: Liv B
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 2 lattes

Description

Homemade brown sugar syrup with cinnamon and vanilla, espresso shaken with ice and its all topped with creamy oat milk.


Ingredients

Brown Sugar Syrup:

  • 4 tbsp lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 6 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Lattes:

  • 2 double shots of espresso
  • a mason jar or cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes
  • 2 glasses filled half way with ice
  • oat milk (as much as you need to top up the cup)

Instructions

  1. In a small frying pan or pot on the stove, add the syrup ingredients and heat on medium-high, whisking to combine. Once it starts simmering, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until sugar has completely dissolved and syrup has thickened just slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  2. Brew two shots of espresso or about 1/2 cup of very strong coffee. Add to the mason jar with 3 tbsp of syrup and a few ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add some more ice to each glass. Divide the espresso mixture between the glasses. Add oat milk to top it up. Stir and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 10 mins

116 Comments

  1. This is so good! Mine had a lot more foam from shaking but still very tasty. Thanks for the recipe!

    • First found this a few weeks ago and have remade several times and am addicted! I prepare everything before hand and keep it in the fridge. I use protein shakers to mix the drink. I also keep the simple syrup in a shaker so I can mix it up well before making a coffee since the cinnamon tends to settle. Thanks for sharing.

      • YUM!!! I used strong coffee and almond milk and it was better than I had hoped! Can’t wait to try with espresso and oat milk next time.

      • My mind has been blown! This is so delicious I can’t believe it. So much better than Starbucks.

      • I used to use a protein shaker too but now I just use a regular cup [with lid and straw] and I cover my thumb over the hole where the straw goes [remove straw] and shake it in there!
        Less dishes!

    • This tastes exactly like the drink I love it thank you!

      • Delicious!!!! Better than Starbucks! I had extra thick and creamy Oat Milk so it was nice and creamy!

      • Made this and am obsessssed!! Just tried the Starbucks version for the first time after the fact and this is 100% better!! Save your money and make it at home!

    • Simple and just like the Starbucks drink! Thank you for this recipe!

    • How do you double x2 the recipe? Do you just add more sugar?

  2. I just had the Starbys version and I’m in LOVE! Thanks for posting this copycat so quickly!!

    • I tried the Sbux brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso and loved it, the first time. The following times after it just seemed to get more bitter and I stopped enjoying it as much. This is the perfect copy cat recipe, since I can make it how I want it. I still get the cinnamon but my own espresso makes it sweeter all together and it tastes less burnt than the “original,” at Sbux. Made a double batch to store some in the fridge, but it should be enough for just one more drink so I might do an even larger batch next time. Thank you for jumping on this copycat!!!!

      • I love this drink from Starbucks but not the price. I don’t have an espresso machine, but have cold brew! Do you think it would work with cold brew? Super excited to try this!

      • Thank you so much for this! I just found this drink and cannot believe how LITTLE actual “liquid” there is for the price. AND with the pandabear still in full effect I’m still quarantined—at least until I get my second shot due to my compromised immune system so it’s a whole thing to even order and get and decontaminate the drink so it’s safe. We have all of these ingredients here at home except the oat milk which I’m ordering now! Thank you!!!!🥰

  3. I’ll have to try again tomorrow. Can you clarify if the syrup should be shaken into the hot coffee first? I poured it over the cold coffee and it just congealed into a blob. I think it would work better mixed into the hot coffee before shaking in ice.

  4. This is an EXACT copy of the SB version!! I love this drink but not the price lol. I used a double shot of the timothys rainforest espresso and it came out perfect. Thank you so much!

    • woohoo!! Home coffee is the best!!

      • This duplicate is so good!! I had it today except I used cold brew and didn’t divide the coffee into two cups lol. I had my mom try it and she said the starbucks one wasn’t as sweet as this one but I like my coffee sweet. So I love it.

        • I looooove sweet coffee hehe!

        • This is so good. I made my syrup in the microwave for about 2 minutes. This drink is so delicious!

          • Thank you so much for this recipe! This is my all time favorite Starbucks drink but I meticulously count my calories and macros so I try to stay away from buying coffee drinks like this because I never know how to track them. Now I can track it all and fit it into my day. Thank you so much! It tastes just as good as the Starbucks version!

    • Was dying to try this drink, but no Starbucks close. I was so happy to find this recipe—it’s SO good. Thanks for sharing ❤️

      • the starbucks around here are all sold out of the brown syrup so I’m so happy to be able to make it at home :)!

    • Hey! Does it have to be light or regular brown sugar? Thanks!

    • I don’t usually leave reviews but this recipe was too good not to! I honestly prefer it over Starbucks now! I’ve just been using 8oz of blonde roast using a keruig instead of espresso and it’s still super good! I like being able to control the level of cinnamon because I feel like Starbucks adds too much sometimes. Overall this recipe is amazing and will save you a lot of money!

    • Hi Liv,
      I actually really liked the original recipe of the syrup. Would you be able to share it again? I forgot the ratio of the ingredients.

  5. Wow! I just made this and I’m amazed. I had the SBUX version earlier this week and loved it but this is just as good, if not better. The only thing I’ll change next time is adding the syrup to the hot coffee, then shaking it. When I added it to the cold coffee, it took awhile to fully dissolve. Thanks for this great recipe!

  6. Maggie Bolognini

    LOVE!!!! Used half the syrup but I like my coffees less sweet. Was also great with almond milk. Anyone know how to store extra syrup?

  7. Wow so good! If I want to make the brown sugar syrup into a larger batch, should I store on the counter or in fridge?

  8. Thank goodness for this recipe! As soon as I tried this at Starbucks I knew I was going to be in trouble. This tastes just like it and so easy to make! Thank you so much!

  9. : ) THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! (: Hours before, had just ordered a grande BSOMSE and left me craving…. another!! lol.. immediately went online and your recipe, PERFECTION btw, was the first one to pop up!! (made with homemade Oat Milk since only had Almond) : ) TASTE did not skip a beat!!!! this drink is in my rotation!! (:

    • woohooo! So so so happy you love it 🙂

      • I tried the BSOMSE yesterday with a friend. We added sweet vanilla cold foam to it! So with this recipe and another for the sweet vanilla cold foam, I was able to recreate it. I didn’t realize there was any cinniman in it until this recipe. And for the small batch I made for me and my friend, I’ll have to play with the ratios until I get what I like. But that’s the best part about home made drinks, if you can make them just how you like them! Will definitely be bookmarking this recipe. Thanks!

  10. This is the bees knees. I have both had the drink from Starbucks and made this at home and they are both so scrumptious! I love the fact that this drink may literally even taste *better* since it’s made with love at home. Thank you so much for this recipe. A life saver!

  11. I can’t wait to try this recipe! I very quickly, became addicted to this drink- I’m talking ordered it every single day for a solid week and at $6 a pop, it was getting out of control. Not to mention, the last 3 times I ordered it, it was awful! Not even close to what it originally tasted like, it was basically all espresso, no brown sugar/cinnamon or oat milk taste at all. So disappointed. Not sure if they changed the recipe (if it’s been so popular, why??), or if they ran out of ingredients and just used what the had- which is not OK. Thank you!

  12. Great dupe for the Starbucks version 🙂 I like my homemade version even more since I can control the sweetness level easily, and I like my espresso beans more. Thanks for writing this up! 🙂

  13. SO good!! Between me and 2 family members I’ve already spent well over $100 on this drink at Starbies 😬 Sometimes it’s delicious, other times it tastes so bitter or burnt that we can barely drink it. This is PERFECT and I can ensure it will be every time now at home! THANK YOU!!🥰

  14. I had the Starbucks version for the first time today….so good and can’t wait to try your recipe!

  15. Wow! Been wanting to try the new Starbucks latte but each time I’ve been excited by a new drink I’ve been let down by the bitterness or cloying sweetness. But the idea of a brown sugar latte is right up my alley so I was thrilled to find your recipe! It’s the perfect amount of sweetness and combined with some cold brewed coffee is a lovely smooth morning drink. Thanks so much for this! It’s delicious!

  16. I woke up this morning determined to try this… it tastes super creamy and delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness. Next time I will add less cinnamon to my syrup.

    • OMG this is heaven. Thank you for the recipe. Why haven’t I been “shaking” my espresso shots?!?!! LOL thank goodness I stumbled across this

  17. Hi! Super excited to try this, I’m wondering, what would you consider “strong coffee”? I have just regular coffee. Thanks!

  18. I can’t wait to try this! What size glass do you recommend for the best ratio of coffee to oat milk? 🙂

    • I do a double shot which is around 1/4 cup of espresso (approx) and about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of oat milk depending how full of ice my cup is! Changes day by day but I like milky coffee!

  19. I think this is going to be the most popular drink this summer. Lovely recipe!

  20. Don’t usually leave comments/reviews, but this was WAY too amazing not to. So easy, and better than Starbucks!! I split this recipes between two drinks, and keep it in the fridge in an airtight jar. I’ve shared this recipe with friends already, and they’re so excited to try it. I’ve never made a bad thing from a Liv B recipe 🥰

  21. This is PERFECT! Thank you so much for the recipe!

  22. Better than Starbucks! I made this today and it came out so good 🙂 I like the flavor of this brown sugar syrup better than the one they use. Great recipe!

  23. WOW. This is amazing! So foamy and frothy!

    For feedback, it was a tad too sweet for me. I ended up doing 1.5 tbs of syrup, and added more cinnamon! I did see on the Starbucks website that the syrup has salt in it (last ingredient listed) so next time I make this, I will add a small pinch of salt as well.

  24. Reese Young

    So excited to try this!
    I work at Starbucks & am obsessed with the new Brown Sugar syrup. I love the shaken espresso drink but don’t like cinnamon, and most store-bought syrups are made with cinnamon! Definitely going to try your recipe to make the syrup!

  25. What kind of oat milk do you use? Thanks!

  26. I made this recipe with regular oatmilk and with extra creamy oatmilk. The extra creamy version was so much better than the standard oatmilk. Delicious!

  27. Jennifer L.

    Soooooooo good and I’ve saved so much money at Starbucks over the last month since I’ve discovered this recipe. Not to mention, the Starbucks in my area always seem to be out of the Brown Sugar syrup so it’s hard to get there, anyway. I follow the recipe exactly as written and it always turns out perfect! Thank you!

  28. This recipe was quick and the latte was delicious. Great alternative to purchasing it from Starbucks 🤑. Only suggest skipping 6 tbsp of water—completely destroyed the espresso taste.

  29. so good! as soon as i saw this recipe i knew i had to give it a try. i grabbed oat milk and espresso from the store the next day, and needless to say i love how it turned out and i will be using this recipe all the time, thank you so much!

  30. Cold brew with oatmilk! A perfect blend ever! Love it!

  31. Great recipe, love it!!!

  32. Just made this today using the Swerve brown sugar replacement and it was PHENOMENAL!!! Thanks for saving me a ton of money 🙂

  33. This was very good 🙂

  34. This is a great Fall recipe! I love it!

  35. This is my current fave starbucks drink but it’s so pricey! I made this at home today and it was pretty similar! Thanks for posting.

    • glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      • Just made this (x2) using inverted aeropress method and it was perfect! Taste just like the Starbucks shaken espresso with oatmilk. For the aeropress I used 19g of fine grounds dark roast coffee (Starbucks Sumatra) , 95g of water @ 205° steeped for 1 1/2 minutes. I only used 2 tbs of the syrup because I didn’t want to make it too sweet and about 60g of oatmilk. It was spot on! 10/10.

  36. This was sooo delicious!!! Thanks for a perfect recipe

  37. I found this recipe 2 weeks ago and have made it almost every day since. It is AMAZING. I like it even better than the Starbucks version. The only thing I do differently is add some nutmeg to the syrup!! 10/10, thanks for sharing!!!!

  38. Soooooo good🤩 how long is the syrup good for if kept in the fridge?

  39. Made it today for the first time. The recipe was very easy to follow and it came out extremely delicious. For sure is a must repeat.

  40. I love this recipe! I’ve made it at least 3 times and each time I am so pleased!

  41. Hi!! How many calories would you say would be in this portion size?

  42. Wow! I saw the comments raving about this but was still skeptical and I am so impressed. I used Starbucks espresso roast for Nespresso vertuo and it was delicious I had to play around with the amount of espresso vs. oat milk but I’m obsessed with this

  43. Madeline Michiels

    Girl this was absolutely to DIE FOR. I’ve never had something so good in my life. 10/10 would recommend

  44. I’ve made this recipe MULTIPLE times, it is literally my favourite. This happens to me every time and I don’t mind it but I figured I’d ask, why does my syrup turn slimy?😅 it doesn’t change the taste but it’s SO hard to get a spoonful without it sliding out LOL

    • KarensKuisine

      Slimy is from cinnamon.
      The cinnamon did not mix in properly. Try adding in a different order when making syrup. If it gets slimy again try heating back up and mix good.
      Or maybe you add too much cinnamon?

  45. LOVE! This recipe is SO easy, more foam than expected from the shaking but its super easy to strain out, plus it tastes just as good as the starbucks version (if not better because its saving me SO much money!)

  46. SO good! Way better than Starbucks!!!

  47. For those who are calorie conscious… I used Truvia brown sugar which also worked perfectly!

  48. This turned out so good! I added a little more brown sugar because I like it extra sweet but it tasted just like the real thing! Saving this recipe

  49. This drink is absolutely incredible!!😍

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