Copycat Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (Better Than the Drive-Thru)

You know that first icy sip of a brown sugar shaken espresso — bold coffee, caramel warmth, cold foam swirling through? This tastes just like the one from the drive-thru… except you can make it at home in five minutes for a fraction of the price.

It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and perfectly chilled with that signature frothy top. If you love that cozy brown sugar flavor but want something stronger than a latte, this copycat version is about to become your new daily ritual.

✨ The café-style shaken espresso.

A perfectly shaken brown sugar espresso instantly upgrades your morning routine, saves money, and gives you that smooth, coffeehouse-level flavor — without leaving your kitchen.

If you love recreating coffee shop favorites at home, you might also enjoy this Pistachio Matcha Latte for a creamy, nutty twist on your daily caffeine ritual. Now let’s make the most irresistible brown sugar shaken espresso right in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold espresso flavor with a caramel-like brown sugar finish
Creamy but still light and refreshing
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Costs way less than buying it every day
Easily customizable (dairy-free, extra sweet, stronger, etc.)

Ingredients

2 shots espresso (or ½ cup very strong brewed coffee)
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
½ cup milk (whole, oat, almond, or your favorite)
1 cup ice

Optional Add-Ins:

Splash of vanilla extract
Extra espresso shot for stronger flavor
Brown sugar syrup instead of granulated

How to Make It

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Brew two fresh shots of espresso. If using coffee, make it extra strong so the flavor doesn’t get diluted by the ice.

Step 2: Sweeten While Hot

Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon directly into the hot espresso. Mixing while it’s hot helps the sugar dissolve completely.

Step 3: Shake It

Fill a mason jar or cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the sweetened espresso over the ice, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. This creates that signature frothy, chilled texture.

Step 4: Pour & Finish

Pour the shaken espresso (ice included) into a tall glass. Top with milk and watch the creamy swirl settle beautifully into the coffee.

Give it a gentle stir and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips & Variations

Make It Dairy-Free:
Oat milk works beautifully and gives it that naturally creamy coffee-shop texture.

Turn It Into Brown Sugar Syrup:
Simmer ½ cup brown sugar with ½ cup water for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for easy daily drinks.

Extra Frothy Hack:
Shake longer than you think you need to. The foam forms from aerating the espresso while it chills.

Iced Caramel Upgrade:
Add a drizzle of caramel inside the glass before pouring for a richer dessert-style version.

Serving Ideas

Pair with a buttery croissant or breakfast pastry
Serve in a tall clear glass to show off the layered swirl
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for presentation
Make a large batch of brown sugar syrup for weekly prep

It’s perfect for slow mornings, work-from-home days, or anytime you want coffee-shop vibes without leaving the house.

Conclusion

Once you realize how easy this is to make, it’s hard to justify the daily drive-thru run. It’s bold, lightly sweet, and beautifully chilled with that signature shaken foam — everything you love, made fresher at home.

Try it once, tweak it to your sweetness level, and it might just become your new favorite homemade coffee. Save this recipe — your wallet (and your mornings) will thank you.