This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Is Better Than Starbucks—And Cheaper Too

When I first discovered the joy of making my own coffee drinks at home, it was like unlocking a secret door to a world of flavor and creativity. One chilly autumn morning, I decided to experiment with a recipe that would rival my favorite coffee shop’s offerings. After a few trials and errors, I finally perfected my Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. Not only is it a delightful treat, but it also brings back memories of cozy coffee dates with friends, laughter, and the warmth of shared moments. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, which is not only better than Starbucks but also much easier on the wallet!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Is Better Than Starbucks—And Cheaper Too

  • Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and espresso creates a deep, caramel-like sweetness that elevates your coffee experience.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to suit your taste.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Gather Your Ingredients

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

  • 2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Optional: whipped cream for topping

Let’s Get Cooking

  1. Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a French press or AeroPress works great!
  2. In a shaker, combine the hot espresso and brown sugar. Shake vigorously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain the espresso mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Pour the milk over the espresso and stir gently to combine. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Helpful Hints & Variations

For a fun twist, try adding a splash of flavored syrup, like hazelnut or caramel, to your espresso before shaking. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as oat or almond, for a unique flavor profile!

Perfect Pairings

This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso pairs beautifully with a slice of banana bread or a buttery croissant. For a sweet treat, consider serving it alongside chocolate chip cookies or a rich brownie.

Kitchen Q&A

Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, but brown sugar adds a unique depth of flavor that you might miss with regular sugar. If you do use white sugar, consider adding a pinch of molasses for that caramel note!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is more than just a drink; it’s a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Each sip brings back memories of laughter and warmth, making it a perfect companion for any moment. I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me!

Your Turn

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Feel free to tweak it to your liking and share your thoughts. Did you add a new flavor? How did it turn out? Let’s hear from you!

This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Is Better Than Starbucks—And Cheaper Too

This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Is Better Than Starbucks—And Cheaper Too

Discover how to make a delicious Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at home—tastier and more affordable than Starbucks! Enjoy your coffee your way.
By Jason GriffithPublished on April 7, 2025
Prep Time5 min
Cook Time5 min
Total Time10 min
Servings1 serving
Category: Beverages
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
  • 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a French press or AeroPress works great!
  2. In a shaker, combine the hot espresso and brown sugar. Shake vigorously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain the espresso mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Pour the milk over the espresso and stir gently to combine. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation
Calories: 200 calories
Protein Content: 6g
Carbohydrate Content: 28g
Fat Content: 5g
Tags: Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, Espresso Recipe, Coffee Drinks, Homemade Espresso, Starbucks Copycat
This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Is Better Than Starbucks—And Cheaper Too