Dunkin Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso Recipe
Dunkin’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, introduced in partnership with Sabrina Carpenter, is a frothy, sweetened iced espresso drink made with oat milk and brown sugar syrup. It became a fan favorite upon its release on December 31, 2024, as part of Dunkin’s winter menu
Homemade Dunkin Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso Recipe
Ingredients
Espresso: 2 shots (approximately 2 ounces), freshly brewed
Brown Sugar Syrup:
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup water
Oat Milk: 4–6 ounces (or your preferred milk alternative)
Ice: Enough to fill your shaker and serving glass
Instructions
1. Prepare Brown Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water.
Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Allow the syrup to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
Store any leftover syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use
2. Brew Espresso
Brew 2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine, stovetop espresso maker, or a strong coffee of your choice if you don’t have a machine.
3. Shake It Up
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add the freshly brewed espresso and 1–2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup, adjusting to your desired sweetness.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the mixture is frothy.
4. Assemble the Drink
Fill a serving glass with ice.
Strain the shaken espresso over the ice.
Pour the oat milk over the espresso, creating a layered effect.
Gently stir to combine before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Espresso Quality: The taste of your drink will largely depend on the quality of your espresso. Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Shaking Technique: Don’t be shy when shaking the espresso and syrup. The more you shake, the frothier your beverage will be.
Customization:
Adjust the syrup quantity according to your sweetness preference. Similarly, feel free to substitute oat milk with any other milk or milk alternative you prefer.Temperature:
Make sure your espresso is close to room temperature before mixing it with the ice. This will prevent the ice from melting too quickly and diluting the drink.Presentation:
For an Instagram-worthy look, slowly pour the milk over the back of a spoon for a layered presentation before serving.Storage:
You can make brown sugar syrup in larger quantities and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it easy to whip up a Shaken Espresso whenever the mood strikes
What To Serve With
Serving your Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with the perfect accompaniment can elevate your coffee experience from delightful to absolutely sublime.
1. Classic Pastries
- Cinnamon Rolls: The warming spices and sweet glaze complement the brown sugar notes in the Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.
- Croissants: A buttery, flaky croissant pairs wonderfully with the robust espresso and sweet creamy texture, offering a balance between richness and lightness.
Muffins:
Choose muffins with flavors that work well with coffee, such as blueberry, banana nut, or a decadent chocolate chip.
2. Breakfast Items
- : A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with brown sugar, nuts, and a dash of cinnamon mirrors the comforting warmth and sweetness of the Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.
French Toast:
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fresh fruit for a brunch that feels like a cozy hug alongside your coffee.Avocado Toast:
For a healthier option, the creaminess of avocado on toasted whole-grain bread complements the silky texture of the oat milk in your espresso.
3. Light Snacks
Fruit & Nut Plates:
Pair your coffee with a selection of nuts and fresh fruits. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans alongside slices of apple or pear can enhance the nutty and fruity notes in your espresso.Cheese Board:
A simple platter with various cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, served with crackers or bread, can add a sophisticated touch to your coffee break.Chocolate
: Dark chocolate or chocolate-covered espresso beans complement the flavor profile of coffee and intensify the taste experience.
4. Desserts
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone, is a match made in heaven for coffee lovers.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist, cinnamon-scented coffee cake pairs excellently with the shaken espresso, echoing its sweet and comforting flavors.
Macarons
: Delicate macarons in flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate provide a light yet indulgent treat to enjoy with your espres
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Dunkin’s Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso can be a delightful and satisfying endeavor. However, you might be short on some ingredients or looking to tailor the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or personal taste preferences.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fA5ePKCPTcY
Espresso
- Strong-brewed coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a very strong-brewed coffee as an alternative. Consider using a French press or an AeroPress to achieve a concentration close to espresso.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Another option is to use instant espresso powder. Dissolve it in a small amount of hot water to mimic the strength and intensity of freshly pulled espresso shots.
Brown Sugar
- Maple Syrup: For a naturally sweet alternative with a similar depth of flavor, maple syrup can be a great substitute. It blends well with coffee and can complement the overall flavor profile.
- Coconut Sugar: If you’re looking for a less-refined sugar with a rich taste, coconut sugar works nicely. It has a caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar.
- Honey or Agave Syrup: For those avoiding refined sugars, honey or agave syrup can be used. They both offer sweetness with distinct flavors that can add an interesting twist to your espresso.
Oat Milk
- Almond Milk: If oat milk is not available or you prefer a nuttier taste, almond milk is a suitable substitute. It froths well for those looking to add a bit of texture.
- Soy Milk: Soy milk is another good option, especially for frothing. It’s creamy texture and neutral flavor won’t overpower the espresso and brown sugar.
Coconut Milk
: For a richer and somewhat tropical twist, coconut milk can be used. It’s creamier and adds a distinct flavor that pairs nicely with the espresso.
Vanilla Syrup
- Homemade Vanilla Syrup: If you don’t have commercial vanilla syrup, you can easily make your own by simmering water, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
- Vanilla Extract: In a pinch, you can simply add a small amount of vanilla extract directly to the espresso along with your sweetener of choice to mimic the vanilla flavor.
- Almond Extract or Cinnamon: For something slightly different, try almond extract for a nuttier flavor or a dash of ground cinnamon for warmth and spice.
Ice
- Coffee Ice Cubes: If you find regular ice dilutes the espresso too much, freeze some coffee in an ice cube tray and use these instead to keep your drink strong as it chills.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg (Optional)
- Cardamom: If you’re out of cinnamon or just looking for a different taste profile, a pinch of ground cardamom can add an exotic twist.
- Allspice: This can also substitute for nutmeg, offering a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor that complements the brown sugar and espresso.
Final Thoughts
Savor your homemade Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso as a delightful treat to kick start your day or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
