Homemade Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe

by Sandra
Homemade Dunkin' Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe

For anyone who’s found themselves lingering outside Dunkin‘, enchanted by the aroma but tethered to their busy schedule, I’ve got something special for you. Imagine preparing this charismatic cup right in the comfort of your kitchen? Yes, you read that right! I’ve been on a quest, experimenting with my espresso machine and shaking things up to bring you a homemade replica of Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso.

How to make Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

The Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a popular coffee beverage offered by Dunkin’. It features a combination of espresso, brown sugar, and ice that is shaken together to create a smooth, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor profile. The drink is served over ice and often topped with a light layer of milk (or any milk substitute, depending on your preference), resulting in a refreshing and flavorful iced espresso drink.

Ingredients

  • Espresso: 2 shots (approximately 2 ounces), freshly brewed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Oat Milk: 4-6 ounces (or your preferred milk alternative)
  • Ice: Enough to fill your shaker and your serving glass

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves.
  3. Once the syrup reaches a gentle simmer, remove it from the heat.
  4. Allow the syrup to cool down before using. You can store extra syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso

  1. 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.

Step 3: Shake it Up!

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  2. Add the freshly brewed espresso.
  3. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup, depending on how sweet you like your drink.
  4. Secure the lid on the shaker, making sure it’s tight.
  5. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This aerates the espresso and syrup mixture, creating a frothy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Drink

  1. Fill a serving glass with ice.
  2. Strain the shaken espresso over the ice, catching any excess foam with a spoon and spooning it on top.
  3. Pour the desired amount of oat milk over the espresso, creating a beautiful layered effect.
  4. If you like, gently stir the drink to mix the layers slightly.

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

  • Oatmeal: 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 espresso.

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.

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.

Homemade Dunkin' Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe

Dunkin' Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 230 calories 14 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • Espresso: 2 shots (approximately 2 ounces), freshly brewed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Oat Milk: 4-6 ounces (or your preferred milk alternative)
  • Ice

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves.
  3. Once the syrup reaches a gentle simmer, remove it from the heat.
  4. Allow the syrup to cool down before using. You can store extra syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso

  1. 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.

Step 3: Shake it Up!

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  2. Add the freshly brewed espresso.
  3. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup, depending on how sweet you like your drink.
  4. Secure the lid on the shaker, making sure it's tight.
  5. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This aerates the espresso and syrup mixture, creating a frothy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Drink

  1. Fill a serving glass with ice.
  2. Strain the shaken espresso over the ice, catching any excess foam with a spoon and spooning it on top.
  3. Pour the desired amount of oat milk over the espresso, creating a beautiful layered effect.
  4. If you like, gently stir the drink to mix the layers slightly.

 

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