Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Latte Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

I adore creating charming drinks that excite the senses, and my Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Latte is no different. This invigorating beverage combines strong espresso with the delicate flavor of brown sugar.

The combination makes for a drink that’s slightly sweet but very balanced and perfect for any time of day. I know many coffee enthusiasts are large fans of espressos, and for my version of this drink, I used two shots of the good stuff, which is for me the perfect amount.

Brown sugar is not the only thing you can use to give this drink some sweetness, though. This drink is completed with the addition of a delicate aromatic note from ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Personally, I enjoy the creamy texture of ½ cup of milk—or whatever milk alternative you prefer—marrying with the espresso and making a luscious, smooth drink. I shake the mix of espresso with a generous cup of ice cubes until it is chilled, an ideal preparation for a sweltering day.

This optional chill is not merely a hope for a certain mouthfeel; it serves to heighten the three flavors of the drink—espresso, sweetener, and milk—that are eminent in my mind and in my taste buds. With its perfect blend of flavors and mouthfeel, this latte is not just a drink.

It is an experience.

Ingredients photo for Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Latte Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Latte Recipe

Espresso:
Full of flavor, offering a jolt of caffeine, low in calories—coffee.

Brown Sugar:
Contributes sweetness and substance, provider of sugars.

Vanilla Extract:
Improves taste with fragrant sweetness.

Milk or Milk Alternative:
Provides creaminess, contributes calcium, and offers protein (amount varies by type).

Cinnamon (Optional):
Delivers warmth and zest, possesses antioxidant properties.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 2 shots of espresso

  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

  • 1 cup of ice cubes

  • ½ cup of milk or milk alternative

  • Optional: ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1. Using your espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker, prepare 2 shots of espresso.

2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until it dissolves completely while the espresso is hot.

3. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the sweetened espresso and mix well.

4. A cocktail shaker or a heat-safe jar can hold 1 cup of ice cubes, and that is what we need for this next step.

5. The sweetened espresso mixture is to be poured over the ice in the shaker.

6. Tightly seal the lid and shake with vigor for about 15-30 seconds until the contents are mixed well and chilled.

7. Pour the shaken espresso through a strainer into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes, if you prefer it that way.

8. Add ½ cup of milk or a milk substitute to the espresso in the glass.

9. Gently stir to mix the milk with the espresso.

10. Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for garnish if you wish, and serve right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker
2. Spoon (for stirring)
3. Cocktail shaker or heat-safe jar with lid
4. Strainer
5. Glass
6. Measuring spoons
7. Ice cube tray (for making ice cubes)

FAQ

  • Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?You have the option to replace the espresso shots with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee dissolved in 4 ounces of hot water.

  • Q: How can I make it dairy-free?Use any non-dairy milk substitute, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, for the following recipe.

  • Q: How can I make it sweeter?A: Put in one more tablespoon of brown sugar, or change it to suit your taste.

  • Q: Can I prepare this without a shaker?A: You can obtain the shaken effect using a tightly sealed jar or a drink mixer.

  • Q: Is the vanilla extract necessary?A: The aroma and depth come from the vanilla, but this can be omitted or another flavoring can be used if desired.

  • Q: What type of milk is recommended?A: Whole milk offers a texture that’s creamy; however, use your favorite kind of milk or milk substitute.

  • Q: How do I make it a hot drink?Skip the ice altogether, and warm the milk before adding it to the shaken espresso.

Substitutions and Variations

Strong brewed coffee or a shot of cold brew concentrate can substitute for espresso.
You can substitute brown sugar for coconut sugar or a sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup or honey.
Vanilla extract can be replaced with vanilla bean paste or even a touch of almond extract to provide a different flavor.
Milk or milk alternative can be exchanged for oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk, depending on preference.
Nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend can be used as an alternative to ground cinnamon for an autumn-inspired version.