Save I stumbled on this drink during a groggy morning when I didn't want anything heavy but needed more than plain coffee. I threw brown sugar, a splash of oat milk, and espresso into a jar with ice, shook it hard, and poured it into a glass. The result was frothy, sweet, and surprisingly luxurious. Now it's my go-to when I want something that feels special without any fuss.
I made this for a friend who swore she hated oat milk, and after one sip she asked for the recipe. The brown sugar syrup softens the coffee's bitterness, and the cinnamon adds warmth without overwhelming the drink. It's become our Saturday morning ritual, and I always double the syrup batch so I have extra for the week.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: It melts into a deep, molasses-like syrup that regular white sugar just can't replicate, and it stays smooth even when cold.
- Water: This thins the sugar just enough to blend seamlessly with the coffee instead of settling at the bottom.
- Ground cinnamon: A small pinch transforms the drink from plain to cozy, but skip it if you prefer a cleaner coffee flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just half a teaspoon rounds out the sweetness and makes the whole drink smell like a bakery.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee: The backbone of the drink, so use something you'd be happy drinking black.
- Oat milk: Choose a barista blend if you can, it froths better and adds a creamy texture without any dairy.
- Ice cubes: The more you use, the frothier the shake, so don't be shy.
Instructions
- Make the syrup:
- Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns glossy. Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon and vanilla, then let it cool while you prep the coffee.
- Brew your coffee:
- Pull a fresh espresso shot or brew a quarter cup of strong coffee. Let it cool slightly so it doesn't melt all the ice when you shake.
- Load the shaker:
- Fill a cocktail shaker or a sturdy jar with ice cubes until it's about halfway full. Add one to two tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup, the espresso, and the chilled oat milk.
- Shake it up:
- Seal the lid tightly and shake hard for fifteen to twenty seconds. You'll hear the ice breaking down and feel the mixture getting colder and frothier.
- Pour and serve:
- Strain the drink into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Dust the top with a tiny pinch of cinnamon if you're feeling fancy, then drink it right away.
Save The first time I served this at brunch, someone asked if I'd gone to barista school. I laughed and showed them the jar I'd used as a shaker. It reminded me that the best drinks don't need expensive equipment, just a little energy and good ingredients.
Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor
Start with one tablespoon of syrup and taste before adding more, because brown sugar's richness can sneak up on you. If you want a lighter sweetness, try maple syrup or coconut sugar instead. For a hint of spice, add a crack of black pepper or a dash of cardamom to the syrup while it cools.
Making It Ahead
The syrup keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks, so I make a double batch on Sunday and have it ready all week. You can also brew extra coffee, let it cool, and store it in the fridge so you're always thirty seconds away from a shaken latte. Just don't pre-shake the drink itself, it loses its froth and goes flat.
Serving and Garnishing
Pour the drink into your favorite tall glass and watch the foam settle on top like a little cloud. A sprinkle of cinnamon looks pretty and adds a hint of warmth with each sip. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a thin line of leftover syrup over the foam or dust it with cocoa powder.
- Use a clear glass so you can see the layers of foam and coffee.
- Add a reusable straw or a long spoon to stir between sips.
- Serve it alongside something simple like toast or a muffin for an easy breakfast.
Save This drink turned my mornings into something I look forward to instead of something I rush through. I hope it does the same for you.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the brown sugar syrup?
Combine brown sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until dissolved. Optionally, stir in cinnamon and vanilla, then let cool.
- → What can I use if I don't have espresso?
Strong brewed coffee can be used as an alternative, providing a similar bold flavor.
- → How do I create the frothy texture?
Shake the espresso, oat milk, and syrup vigorously with ice for about 15-20 seconds to develop a silky, frothy finish.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, adjust the amount of brown sugar syrup added to your taste preferences for desired sweetness.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
This drink contains oats; check oat milk labels for gluten if sensitive. It's free from dairy, soy, and nuts when using nut-free oat milk.