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Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

A perfectly balanced iced coffee drink with deep caramel sweetness and a velvety foam top, made by shaking espresso with brown sugar and ice.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

  • 2 shots 18g freshly roasted espresso beans, 2 tablespoons (30ml) packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons (30ml) hot water (just off boil), 6-8 ice cubes, 4 ounces (120ml) whole milk or oat milk

Equipment

  • Espresso machine
  • shaker (or mason jar with lid)
  • jigger or measuring spoon
  • kitchen scale
  • tamper
  • thermometer (optional)
  • glass

Method
 

  1. Brew two shots of espresso (18g in, 36g out in 25-30 seconds) into a small cup. 2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar in 2 tablespoons hot water (200°F/93°C) until no granules remain. 3. Pour the brown sugar syrup into a shaker or mason jar. 4. Add the hot espresso to the shaker. 5. Fill the shaker with 6-8 ice cubes (about 1 cup). 6. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for exactly 12 seconds — you should hear the ice clattering and see the shaker become frosty. 7. Pour the entire contents (ice and all) into a tall glass. 8. Top with 4 ounces (120ml) cold milk, pouring gently over the back of a spoon to preserve the foam layer. 9. Serve immediately with a straw.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use oat milk for the best foam stability. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 2 ounces of very strong coffee (double-strength) as a substitute. The brown sugar syrup can be made in larger batches and refrigerated for up to 1 week. Caffeine content varies; consult a healthcare professional for personal dietary needs.