Description
This easy homemade recipe recreates the popular Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, featuring a blend of sweet brown sugar, bold espresso, and a hint of warm cardamom for a frothy, irresistible drink. It’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy afternoon treat, often tasting even better than store-bought.
Ingredients
- 60 ml (2 shots) freshly brewed espresso, chilled
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) light brown sugar
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) filtered water (for syrup)
- 3–4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed (for syrup)
- 60 ml (4 tablespoons) honey (for drizzle)
- Pinch ground cardamom, plus extra for garnish (for drizzle & garnish)
- 2.5 ml (0.5 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 150 ml (5 fl oz) oat milk, chilled (plus extra for cold foam, if desired)
- 1.5 cups (200 g) ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Flavored Syrups: In a small saucepan, combine 30 g (2 tbsp) light brown sugar, 30 ml (2 tbsp) water, and 3-4 crushed green cardamom pods. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves (2 min). Simmer 1 min; steep 10 min. Strain syrup, cool completely. Separately, gently warm 60 ml (4 tbsp) honey with a pinch of ground cardamom for 15-30 seconds until fluid and glossy. This creates a fragrant base.
- Brew Your Espresso: Prepare 60 ml (2 shots) of freshly brewed espresso. Allow it to chill or cool for best frothing.
- Combine and Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine chilled espresso, 30 ml (2 tbsp) cooled Cardamom Brown Sugar Syrup, 2.5 ml (0.5 tsp) vanilla, and ~1 cup ice. Shake vigorously 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and frothy. (If not frothing, use fresh ice and shake harder.)
- Assemble Your Drink: Take a tall, clear glass. Swirl 15 ml (1 tbsp) warm Cardamom-Infused Honey Drizzle around the inside walls for glossy ribbons. Fill the glass with the remaining 0.5 cup of fresh ice. Pour the shaken espresso mixture over the ice.
- Top with Milk and Garnish: Gently pour 150 ml (5 fl oz) chilled oat milk over the espresso. If desired, froth extra oat milk for cold foam and spoon on top. Drizzle another 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey drizzle. Finish with a dusting of ground cardamom for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure sugar dissolves fully in the syrup to prevent graininess. Avoid over-shaking the espresso to prevent dilution, aiming for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and frothy. Adjust the milk ratio to taste for desired creaminess. For a quick option, use store-bought brown sugar syrup or pre-made espresso shots. Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Shaking, Stovetop (for syrup)
- Cuisine: American (Starbucks-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beverage
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg