Starbucks Drink at Home: Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

You don’t have to spend $7 at Starbucks to get your caffeine fix. Their signature Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken is incredibly easy to make at home! 

Trust me, it tastes even better when you customize it. It’s smooth, subtly sweet, and perfectly balanced with that signature espresso kick. It’s best paired with sweet treats as well.

If you love coffee shop drinks but don’t have fancy equipment, don’t worry. I’ll show you how to make the espresso, the syrup, and the shake—all with tools you already have at home.

What Is a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso?

It’s one of Starbucks’ most popular iced drinks, a bold espresso shaken with brown sugar syrup and ice, then topped with creamy oat milk. The result is a slightly caramel-like sweetness and a light, frothy texture from all that shaking.

The beauty of making it at home—apart from spending a fraction of the drink’s price, of course—is that you can control the sweetness, strength, and even the type of milk.

How to Brew Espresso Without a Machine

Not everyone has an espresso machine (and that’s totally fine). You can still get that deep, bold flavor with a few easy methods:

Using a Moka Pot

This stovetop brewer creates strong, espresso-like coffee. It’s rich and intense, which is perfect for this recipe.

Using an AeroPress

Use 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee and less water than usual to make a concentrated shot. It’s the closest you’ll get to true espresso without a machine.

Using Instant Espresso or Cold Brew Concentrate

If you’re really short on time, instant espresso powder or cold brew concentrate works surprisingly well. Just mix 2 teaspoons of instant espresso with 2 ounces of hot water for one shot.

Storing the Brown Sugar Syrup

Pour the cooled syrup into a glass jar or bottle, and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2 weeks. 

If it thickens a bit in the fridge, just warm it for a few seconds before using.

Tips for Making the Best Shaken Espresso

Here’s where the magic happens. And no, you don’t need a cocktail shaker.

I usually use a mason jar or any jar with a tight lid. Add your espresso, brown sugar syrup, and ice, then shake it vigorously for 20–30 seconds. That’s what gives the drink its foamy, velvety texture.

And don’t skip the pinch of salt in your syrup because it balances the sweetness of your concoction. 

If you want to level it up even more, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract. That’s my go-to combo if I want my drink to taste unique but still familiar.

Milk Options You Can Use

While oat milk gives the drink its signature creamy, nutty finish, you can definitely experiment with other options. 

Almond milk offers a lighter, subtly nutty flavor, while soy milk gives a richer, creamier texture. Coconut milk brings a hint of tropical sweetness, and dairy milk is always a classic choice if you prefer a more traditional latte. 

Each one changes the flavor just a bit, but they all blend beautifully into this cozy drink.

FAQs

Can I Make This Drink Hot?

Yes! Just skip the ice and shake step. Stir the brown sugar syrup into hot espresso, then top with steamed oat milk.

Can I Make the Syrup Sugar-Free?

You can use brown sugar substitutes like coconut sugar or allulose, though the texture may be slightly thinner.

Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Oatmilk?

Definitely. Whole milk makes the drink creamier, while almond or soy milk keeps it dairy-free.

Yield: 1 serving

Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

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Image credit: @brewhahabr

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso (or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• ½ cup oat milk (or milk of choice)

For Brown Sugar Syrup

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup water
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: cinnamon or vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the syrup. Combine brown sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Add cinnamon or vanilla if desired, then cool.
2. Brew the espresso. Use your preferred method—espresso machine, Moka pot, AeroPress, or instant espresso.
3. Shake it up. In a mason jar or shaker, add espresso, brown sugar syrup, and ice. Shake for 20–30 seconds until frothy.
4. Assemble the drink. Pour into a tall glass, top with oat milk, and stir gently.

Featured image credit: @peachyt_