Save to Pinterest I stumbled onto this drink on a muggy morning when my usual coffee routine felt too heavy. I had a carton of oat milk going soft in the fridge and a jar of brown sugar I'd been meaning to use. The idea of shaking coffee like a cocktail felt odd at first, but the frothy, caramel-colored result was so good I forgot to sit down. Now it's my reset button on slow days.
The first time I made this for a friend, she watched me shake the jar like I was mixing a margarita and laughed until I poured it out. One sip and she went quiet. She asked for the recipe before she finished the glass. That's when I knew this wasn't just another iced coffee.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: It melts into a silky syrup with molasses undertones that white sugar just can't match, and it pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Water: Thins the sugar into a pourable syrup that blends evenly instead of clumping at the bottom of your glass.
- Ground cinnamon: A small pinch warms the whole drink without overpowering the coffee, and it smells like comfort.
- Vanilla extract: Just half a teaspoon rounds out the syrup and gives it a bakery-like sweetness.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee: The backbone of the drink, bold enough to stand up to ice and oat milk without disappearing.
- Oat milk: It froths better than almond milk and has a natural creaminess that makes this feel indulgent.
- Ice cubes: Essential for chilling and creating that shaken, airy texture that makes each sip feel special.
Instructions
- Make the syrup:
- Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar melts into a smooth, amber liquid. Pull it off the heat, stir in cinnamon and vanilla, then let it cool while you prep the rest.
- Brew your coffee:
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso or brew a strong quarter cup of coffee. The richer the coffee, the better it holds up to ice and milk.
- Load the shaker:
- Fill a cocktail shaker or large jar with ice cubes, then pour in one to two tablespoons of syrup, the espresso, and the chilled oat milk. Don't skip the ice in the shaker, it's what makes the magic happen.
- Shake it up:
- Seal the lid tightly and shake hard for fifteen to twenty seconds until your hands feel cold and you hear the liquid getting frothy. This step transforms everything.
- Pour and serve:
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon if you like, and drink it right away while it's still frosty and layered.
Save to Pinterest There's something about the sound of ice rattling in a shaker that makes mornings feel less ordinary. This drink doesn't need a special occasion, but it always feels like one anyway. It's become the thing I make when I want to feel taken care of, even if I'm the one doing the taking care.
Sweetness and Flavor Tweaks
Start with one tablespoon of syrup and taste before adding more, everyone's sweetness threshold is different. If brown sugar isn't your thing, maple syrup or coconut sugar work beautifully and bring their own flavor. I've also stirred in a tiny splash of caramel extract once and it tasted like fall in a glass.
Making It Ahead
The syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks in a sealed jar, so I make a double batch and use it all week. You can brew the coffee the night before and chill it, then everything comes together in seconds when you wake up. Just don't shake it until you're ready to drink, the froth doesn't last long once it settles.
Serving and Customizing
Pour it over extra ice if you like your drinks really cold, or add a swirl of oat milk foam on top for a cafe look. A dusting of cocoa powder or a cinnamon stick makes it feel fancy without any extra effort. Sometimes I'll add a splash of decaf coffee in the evening and pretend it's dessert.
- Try it with almond or cashew milk if oat milk isn't available, just know it won't froth quite as much.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the syrup for a spiced variation.
- If you don't have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly.
Save to Pinterest This drink doesn't ask much of you, but it gives back tenfold. Make it once and it'll become part of your routine before you even realize it.
Common Questions
- → How is the brown sugar syrup prepared?
Brown sugar syrup is made by heating brown sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then adding cinnamon and vanilla for extra flavor.
- → Can I use regular milk instead of oat milk?
Yes, regular milk can be used, but oat milk adds a subtle creaminess and keeps the drink dairy-free.
- → What coffee options work best for this drink?
A fresh shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee both work well to provide a robust coffee base.
- → How should the drink be shaken?
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to achieve a frothy, chilled texture.
- → Can I customize the sweetness level?
Absolutely, adjust the amount of brown sugar syrup to suit your preferred sweetness.