Description
A quick, homemade version of the popular Starbucks drink that is faster and cheaper than going to the café. This recipe uses a shaken espresso technique to create a frothy, layered iced coffee with homemade brown sugar syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (for syrup)
- 2 shots espresso (approx. 2 ounces / 60ml)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 3–4 ounces half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon extra brown sugar (for garnish)
- Pinch of cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the brown sugar syrup: Combine 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Brew the espresso: Brew two shots of espresso (about 2 ounces total). Pour the hot espresso immediately into a mason jar or cocktail shaker.
- Combine syrup and coffee: Add 2 tablespoons of the warm brown sugar syrup to the hot espresso in the jar. Stir quickly to combine.
- Add ice: Fill the jar about halfway with ice cubes (approx. 1/2 cup).
- Shake: Secure the lid tightly. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the liquid is cloudy and frothy.
- Prepare serving glass: Fill a highball or tall glass with fresh ice.
- Pour and layer: Pour the shaken espresso over the ice in the glass. Slowly pour the half-and-half (or milk) over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
The brown sugar syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Shake the drink vigorously to ensure proper aeration and foam. Use hot espresso to help dissolve the syrup instantly. For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half with oat milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tall glass
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 2
Keywords: brown sugar shaken espresso, copycat starbucks recipe, iced coffee, homemade espresso, morning drink, quick breakfast, dairy-free coffee