Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Easy to Make at Home Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you really want a Starbucks iced shaken espresso with a little brown sugar and oat milk, but the nearest coffee shop’s renovation ruins your plans? Or, maybe, the local Starbucks is just too far out of the way? Or it’s not in the Budget?

Us too! So I set out to create a delicious Starbucks copycat recipe in the coziness of my own home. And the result? An easy copycat recipe that even better then the real deal!

Enter the homemade shaken espresso. This drink’s no longer 30 minutes away. It’s in your kitchen. Simple ingredients, maximum flavor without the drive through line!

What Is Shaken Espresso?

Shaken espresso is based on a traditional Italian drink called a Caffè Shakerato. Which is espresso shaken with ice often lightly sweetened.

Typically, a shaken espresso at Starbucks contains one or two shots of espresso, a sweet brown sugar syrup, and ice, shaken up.

Shaking your espresso helps to lower the acidity giving you a smoother drink with a velvety mouthfeel. If you find espresso too strong or bitter normally a shaken espresso might be for you!

Supplies for Iced Shaken Espresso

A jar with lid or cocktail shaker

A small sauce pan for making the brown sugar syrup

Spoon for mixing the syrup as it cooks

Your favorite iced coffee vessel! I love these glass ones with lids and straws for on the go!

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso or about 60 ml of strong brewed coffee
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of homemade brown sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Milk (oat, almond, cow’s milk, or any of your choice)

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Instructions:

1. Brew Espresso: Brew your espresso shots or strong coffee.
2. Cool the Espresso: Let the espresso cool slightly. For faster cooling, place it in the freezer briefly.
3. Add Brown Sugar Syrup: In a shaker, combine the espresso and brown sugar syrup.
4. Shake: Add ice to the shaker, enough to cover the espresso. Secure the lid and shake well for 15-30 seconds.
5. Serve: Pour the shaken espresso into a glass with ice.
6. Top with Milk: Add your chosen milk to fill the glass.

There you have it! A rich and frothy shaken espresso with the sweetness and depth of homemade brown sugar syrup. Enjoy!

What Can I Use To Shake My Espresso?

No cocktail shaker on hand? No problem. Your empty jam jar or mason jar, with its tight-fitting lid, is all you need. Pour in, secure the lid, and give it a good shake.

Empty jam jars aren’t just for shaking; they’re perfect for on-the-go too. Brew your espresso, add your homemade brown sugar syrup, splash in your favorite kind of milk, and shake. Screw on the lid, grab your keys, and you’re ready to face the day. No more waiting in the drive through line!

If you want a cup that will keep your shaken espresso cold and fit in your cup holder I LOVE this one! I bring my homemade Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso with me to the pool all summer.

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Shots: Your Choice

Nespresso machine, moka pot, or classic espresso maker – all work wonders. Want a shortcut? Try brewed espresso, espresso shots made with instant coffee (we have a post on how to do it!), or really strong coffee.

The Syrup Game

Starbucks version too sweet? Customize it! Create your brown sugar syrup recipe. With more or less sugar based on personal preference!

Simply Combine dark brown sugar, vanilla extract and water in a small saucepan. Simmer until the sugar is all melted. Cool, then store in airtight container.

There you have it! Brown Sugar Simple Syrup Ready to go whenever you want it!

Storing Brown Sugar Syrup

Storing brown sugar syrup properly is crucial to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cool Down: Allow the brown sugar syrup to cool completely after cooking.
2. Choose the Right Container: Transfer the syrup to an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they don’t absorb odors and are easy to clean.
3. Refrigerate: Store the syrup in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
4. Label and Date: Mark the container with the date you made the syrup. This helps keep track of its freshness and ensures you use it within its optimal time frame.
5. Shelf Life: Properly stored, homemade brown sugar syrup can last for about 4 weeks in the refrigerator.

By following these storage tips, your brown sugar syrup should remain fresh and tasty, ready to enhance your ice coffee or other beverages!

What Milk Should I Use in Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso?

Creamy oat milk? Almond milk? Soy? Pick any non-dairy milk or classic whole milk. Tailor to your personal preferences and dietary needs!

The Starbucks Experience

Pour shots of espresso. Add desired amount of brown sugar syrup. Fresh ice, then shake! Top with your milk of choice. Enjoy!

Upgrades & Twists

Add a dash of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick to your syrup

Add Vanilla bean instead of extract to your syrup

Muddle a little fresh mint in the bottom of your jar before you add your ice. I love this in the summer when our garden is exploding with fresh mint leaves! Add a bit of course sugar to help the oils release from the mint leaves!

Extra flavor: hazelnut syrup, vanilla syrup, or any other coffee syrup you love!

Save Money and Time

Skip the long drive and save a ton of money by recreating the best Starbucks right in the comfort of your own home! Plus, think of the variations! Iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso today, iced chocolate almond milk shaken espresso tomorrow? The possibilities are endless!

Discovering the Perfect Brew

Sure, a dash to coffee shops gives you the real thing, but there’s a charm to a homemade version. What kind of espresso? Blonde espresso or a full-bodied espresso shot? Use an espresso pod from your favorite brand or maybe brew some instant espresso. Tailor your double shot of espresso just the way you like it.

Making this iced coffee drink is a breeze. First sip will remind you of the real thing. Easy, delicious, and definitely wallet-friendly. Your Starbucks menu, tailored in your own kitchen.

Remember, you’ve got the full recipe card here. Try, taste, tweak. Here’s to mastering your favorite Starbucks drink recipe at home!

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Milk Matters

The type of milk you use can change the whole game. From cold foam-topped delights to a simple splash of almond or oat, you decide the kind of milk for that perfect taste.

Tips For Simple Syrup

Experiment to make your perfect Iced Shaken Espresso! How many tablespoons of syrup make your drink just right? Do you venture into homemade brown sugar syrup or experiment with a hint of natural flavor? Add ice cubes and shake well, replicating that delicious drink we all know and love.

Customize Your Shaken Espresso

There are so many great flavors and add-ons available, play with personalizing your drink!

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with brown sugar. You can add this to your brown sugar syrup in the form of a cinnamon stick or add a spirnkle of cinnamon directly to your drink.

Caramel Syrup: Offers a buttery richness for a deeper sweetness. You can skip the brown sugar syrup all together and opt for your favorite caramel sauce instead!

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a great natural substitute for the brown sugar syrup! It reminds me of the lumberjack drink from the Whole Foods cafe. I love this one in the fall!

Almond Milk: As an alternative to dairy milk or the classic oat milk used by Starbucks, it adds a light, nutty flavor.

Coconut Cream: For a dairy free swap and a delicous creamy texture.

Whipped Cream: On top for extra decadence! I love adding leftover homemade whipped cream to our coffees. Its always such a delicious treat!

Honey: Adds natural sweetness with a distinct flavor. We love adding honey to our coffee especially during cold and flu season!

Play with the type of espresso you use! We have a list of our favorites here or grab a bag of blonde roast espresso for a lighter espresso flavor.

These add-ins allow you to customize your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso to suit your taste preferences and utilize the ingredient you have on hand to make your coffee experience even more enjoyable!

Making Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso at Home

It’s a great way to enjoy a tasty drink with the exact sweetness you desire. The best part? No drive to the local Starbucks necessary!

This isn’t just a copycat Starbucks recipe, but a tribute to all the delicious Starbucks copycat recipes out there. Trust me, once you perfect your version, coffee shops might just see a tad bit less of you.