There once was a time in my life when I had to give up dairy and while I missed cheese and ice cream and all of that, the thing that was hardest for me was giving up dairy in coffee. No cream in my coffee, no milk in my latte… It made my favorite hobby (caffeine) a lot more like a chore. I’ve never been one of those people who loves alternate milks, for me it’s dairy or bust. So when I discovered a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with Oatmilk, I was in awe, in love, in shock – all of the above. This was a non dairy coffee drink that tasted GOOD. And when you can whip up this barista-level drink at home in under 10 minutes? That’s the dream. Enter: this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso —a bold, lightly sweet, cinnamon-kissed drink that’s smooth, chilled, and oh-so-satisfying.
Whether you’re team oatmilk or prefer classic dairy, this recipe’s got you. Let’s shake things up, literally.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark, your choice)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (or more if you’re feelin’ it)
- Ice (a generous handful)
- ½–¾ cup milk (Oatmilk for a creamy, nutty twist or dairy for a rich classic finish)
- Optional: a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup for extra flavor
How to Make It
- Brew your espresso.
Pull 2 shots of espresso or brew about ½ cup of very strong coffee. While it’s still hot, stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until fully dissolved. This is your flavor-packed base. - Shake it like you mean it.
Add the sweetened espresso to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid), along with a handful of ice. Shake it vigorously for 15–20 seconds. You want it nice and frothy with a chilled bite. - Strain + pour.
Pour the shaken espresso over fresh ice in a tall glass. - Top with your milk of choice.
Slowly pour in your oatmilk or dairy milk—watch those dreamy swirls mix together. - Sip & enjoy.
Give it a quick stir if you want, or leave the swirl for the aesthetics. Enjoy the balance of strong espresso, warm spice, and creamy finish. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Oatmilk vs. Dairy: What’s the Vibe?
- Oatmilk: Brings a naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor and foams beautifully. Great for plant-based folks or anyone looking for a lighter, earthy profile.
- Dairy milk: Whole milk or 2% makes the drink creamier and richer. It complements the brown sugar like a warm hug.
Pro Tips:
- Try brown sugar syrup if you want an ultra-smooth texture.
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall—game changer.
- Make it iced or warm—skip the ice and steam your milk for a cozy version.
This Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is simple enough for a weekday morning, but fancy-feeling enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite café. Customize it, make it yours, and most importantly—enjoy every sip.
Let me know if you try it! I’d love to hear your twists or see your beautiful swirly creations.