Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Looking for a coffee that’s bold, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing? Meet the Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso—a drink that combines the rich intensity of espresso with the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar, all shaken to perfection with ice. The result? A frothy, invigorating sip that feels like a treat but fuels your day like your favorite coffeehouse drink.

This trendy beverage, made popular by big-name cafés, is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a café-style espresso drink without leaving your kitchen—or spending extra at the coffee shop. Perfect for mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or even as a fun drink to share with friends, this shaken espresso will quickly become a favorite.

What Is an Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?

The name says it all—it’s espresso shaken with ice and brown sugar until frothy, then poured over ice for a refreshing finish. The shaking blends the flavors beautifully and adds a creamy foam on top, similar to a cocktail shaker effect but without the alcohol.

Think of it as an iced latte’s cooler, trendier cousin: rich, sweet, smooth, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Sweet Balance – Strong espresso softened with brown sugar’s warm, caramel notes.

• Café-Style at Home – Save money and enjoy this Starbucks-inspired drink right in your kitchen.

• Customizable – Make it creamy with milk, dairy-free with almond or oat milk, or spice it up with cinnamon or vanilla.

• Quick & Easy – Just a handful of ingredients and less than 10 minutes from start to sip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Espresso – 2 shots (or strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine).

• Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste).

• Ice Cubes – Enough to fill your shaker and glass.

• Milk or Milk Alternative (optional) – For a creamy finish.

• Flavor Boosters (optional) – Cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a drizzle of caramel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew Espresso – Make two shots of espresso, or prepare a small cup of strong coffee.

2. Sweeten – Add espresso and brown sugar to a shaker. Stir or swirl until the sugar dissolves.

3. Shake – Fill the shaker with ice, close tightly, and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until frothy.

4. Serve – Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.

5. Customize – Add milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, use coffee ice cubes (freeze leftover coffee in trays) so your drink never waters down.

Perfect Pairings

Pair your Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with:

• Banana bread or zucchini bread

• Chocolate croissants or buttery scones

• Oatmeal cookies or biscotti

• Fluffy pancakes or waffles for breakfast

Storage Tips

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can:

• Store brewed espresso in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Shake fresh with brown sugar and ice right before serving.

• Freeze leftover espresso in ice cube trays for quick future drinks.

Quick Recipe Card

Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Servings: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 cup ice cubes

• ½ cup milk or milk alternative (optional)

• Dash cinnamon or splash vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew espresso.

2. Add espresso and brown sugar to a shaker, stir to dissolve.

3. Fill with ice and shake 10–15 seconds until frothy.

4. Strain into a tall glass with ice.

5. Top with milk or flavor boosters if desired. Enjoy!