Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso – Complete Guide

The Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a fan-favorite drink that combines the bold flavor of espresso with the sweetness of brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon. Topped with oat milk, this beverage is a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and refreshing.

Whether you’re a seasoned Starbucks enthusiast or new to this drink, this guide will cover everything you need to know, including a copycat recipe, how to order it like a pro, and helpful tips to customize your drink.

What is a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a Starbucks creation that features shots of espresso shaken with brown sugar syrup and ice, then topped with a splash of oat milk.

The result is a layered, slightly sweet, and caffeinated drink with a hint of cinnamon. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional espresso drinks, as it uses less milk and lets the espresso shine.

Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe

Want to recreate this delicious drink at home? Here’s a simple and accurate copycat recipe:

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup (recipe below)
• 1/4 cup oat milk (or your preferred milk)
• Ice cubes
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Let it cool and store in a jar.

Instructions:

1. Brew Espresso: Pull 2 shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee.
2. Shake It Up: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the hot espresso, brown sugar syrup, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until frothy and chilled.
3. Assemble: Pour the shaken espresso into a glass (without the ice if you prefer less dilution).
4. Add Milk: Top with a splash of oat milk. The milk will naturally layer on top for a beautiful presentation.
5. Finish: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top if desired.
6. Enjoy: Stir before drinking to combine the flavors, or sip as-is for a layered experience.

Pro Tip: Use a handheld milk frother to lightly foam the oat milk before adding it for an extra creamy texture.

How to Order a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at Starbucks

Ordering a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is straightforward, but if you want to customize it or order like a pro, here’s how:

Basic Order:

• Ask for a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. By default, it comes with blonde espresso, brown sugar syrup, ice, a splash of oat milk, and a hint of cinnamon.

Customization Options:

1. Size: Choose from Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), or Venti (24 oz).
2. Espresso Shots: The default is 2 shots for Tall, 3 for Grande, and 4 for Venti. You can add an extra shot for more caffeine.
3. Milk Options: While oat milk is the default, you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk.
4. Sweetness Level: Ask for more or less brown sugar syrup depending on your preference.
5. Cinnamon: Request extra cinnamon or skip it altogether.
6. Light Ice: If you prefer less dilution, ask for light ice.
7. Affogato Style: Add a shot of espresso poured over the top for an extra bold flavor.

Example Order:

“Can I get a Grande Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with almond milk, light ice, and an extra shot of espresso?”

Helpful Tips and Tricks

1. Blonde Espresso: The drink is traditionally made with Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso, which is smoother and slightly sweeter than regular espresso. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can request regular espresso.
2. Shake It Well: The key to this drink is the shaking process, which creates a frothy, refreshing texture. If you’re making it at home, don’t skip this step!
3. Make It Vegan: The drink is already vegan if made with oat milk, but double-check that the brown sugar syrup used at your location is vegan-friendly.
4. Add a Twist: Experiment with flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
5. Save Money: Order a regular Shaken Espresso and add brown sugar syrup and oat milk to customize it at a lower price.
6. Pair It: This drink pairs perfectly with a buttery croissant or a savory breakfast sandwich for a balanced treat.

Nutritional Information

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a relatively low-calorie option compared to other Starbucks drinks (based on a Grande size with oat milk):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sugar: 18g
• Caffeine: 225mg (for Grande size)

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can ask for fewer pumps of brown sugar syrup or use sugar-free alternatives.

Why We Love the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a refreshing and energizing drink that highlights the natural flavors of espresso while adding a touch of sweetness and spice. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want a lighter, less milky alternative to lattes or Frappuccinos. Plus, its customizable nature makes it a versatile choice for any time of day.

Now that you have the complete guide, you can enjoy the Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso your way—whether you’re ordering it at Starbucks or making it at home. Cheers to a perfectly balanced coffee experience! ☕✨