Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

If you love a good iced coffee with bold espresso and just the right amount of sweetness, you’re going to love this Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. It is actually very similar to the delicious flavor of our popular Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado. It’s one of those drinks that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. I’ll show you how to shake up espresso with brown sugar and ice for that perfect smooth and frothy finish.
No need for a coffee shop run—once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat! Let’s get started.
Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Full Video
Want to see exactly how to make this iced brown sugar shaken espresso at home? Watch the full recipe video to follow along step by step! I’ll show you how to shake the espresso just right to get that smooth, frothy texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or just getting started, this video will make it easy to recreate your own coffee shop-worthy drink. Press play and let’s make it together!
Taste & Flavor

As an amateur writer, I always struggle with this section, but this recipe is so much fun it made it a bit easier. This brown sugar shaken espresso has the perfect balance of bold and smooth. You get the rich, slightly bitter kick of espresso, mellowed out by the deep caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while shaking everything together creates a light, frothy texture that makes every sip extra refreshing. It’s sweet but not too sweet, strong but still incredibly smooth—exactly what you want in an iced coffee!
If you finish making this shaken espresso and you’re looking for a great baked recipe to pair it with, check out our Easy Espresso Cookie Recipe!
FULL RECIPE

This is a very simple recipe, which is what makes it so great (in my opinion). You can use a shaker like I do to complete this recipe, or you can use a mason jar with a lid. Just like any other recipe on this website, you can edit it to fit your personal preferences. The important part is to just try it!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- Double Shot of Espresso (or 3-4 oz very strong brewed coffee)
- 6 oz Milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 1/2 cups Ice
- Dash of Ground Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions

- Take 1 tbsp of Brown Sugar and add it to your shaker (or mason jar with a lid)
- Brew double shot of espresso (or 3-4 oz of strong coffee) and add it to the shaker. Mix it with the brown sugar while the espresso is still hot. This will allow the brown sugar to dissolve.
- Add in the ice to the shaker.
- Add in the milk to the shaker.
- Securely fasten the lid to your shaker, and shake for 1 minute.
- Remove the lid and add your shaken espresso to your chosen mug or tumbler.
- Add in the optional dash of cinnamon.
- Enjoy your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso!
Nutritional Facts

This nutrition info is calculated by taking the ingredient list used above. I include 6 oz of skim milk. If you adjust the recipe in any way, it will affect this info! Feel free to comment with any questions.
Why I Like This Recipe
This iced brown sugar shaken espresso is one of my favorite coffee drinks to make at home because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor. The combination of bold espresso, rich brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon creates the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Shaking everything together gives it that smooth, frothy texture that makes every sip extra refreshing.

I love how easy it is to customize—whether you prefer a little more sweetness, an extra shot of espresso, or a different type of milk, you can make it exactly how you like it. Plus, it comes together in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. Once you try this at home, you might find yourself skipping the coffee shop and reaching for your shaker instead. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do—let me know how it turns out for you!
Up Next…

Now that you’re sipping on your refreshing shaken espresso, I have a bit of a different caffeinated beverage to recommend.. our Perfect Pistachio Latte! I like this recipe because it can be enjoyed either hot or iced, and it always amazes me how many people are apprehensive at first but end up loving it!

Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Equipment
- 1 Espresso Machine – or Brew Coffee
- 1 Shaker – or Mason Jar w/ Lid
- 1 Chosen Mug or Tumbler
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 shots Espresso – or 3-4 oz very strong coffee
- 6 oz Milk
- 1 ½ cups Ice
- 1 dash Ground Cinnamon – optional
Instructions
- Take 1 tbsp of Brown Sugar and add it to your shaker (or mason jar with a lid)
- Brew double shot of espresso (or 3-4 oz of strong coffee) and add it to the shaker. Mix it with the brown sugar while the espresso is still hot. This will allow the brown sugar to dissolve.
- Add in the ice to the shaker.
- Add in the milk to the shaker.
- Securely fasten the lid to your shaker, and shake for 1 minute.
- Remove the lid and add your shaken espresso to your chosen mug or tumbler.
- Add in the optional dash of cinnamon. Enjoy your Shaken Espresso!