If you crave bold coffee flavor balanced with silky sweetness, this Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is about to become your new favorite sip. It takes everything you love about the iced version and reimagines it for chilly mornings. Think of it as cozy espresso sophistication in a mug—with caramelized brown sugar syrup, warm spices, and just the right splash of creamy milk.

This drink comes together faster than your coffee shop line, and the result is impressive. It’s smooth and slightly spiced with cinnamon, but what truly makes it special is the depth of flavor from the homemade brown sugar syrup. Every shake blends the ingredients to frothy perfection, delivering a barista-level experience right from your own kitchen.

What Kind of Espresso Should I Use?

For the richest flavor, use a dark roast espresso with chocolate or caramel notes. A stovetop Moka pot or a quality espresso machine will yield the best results. If you don’t have access to either, you can use very strong brewed coffee as a backup, though the intensity will be milder.

Ingredients for the Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

2 shots of espresso (or ⅓ cup strong coffee)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk (any variety, dairy or plant-based)
Optional: pinch of sea salt

How To Make the Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer on low until the sugar is dissolved and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso

While your syrup simmers, brew your espresso or strong coffee. If you’re using a Moka pot or espresso machine, aim for about 2 shots worth.

Step 3: Shake It All Up

In a heat-safe jar or cocktail shaker, add the hot espresso and syrup. Seal and shake carefully for 10-15 seconds until frothy and mixed.

Step 4: Heat and Froth the Milk

Warm your milk on the stove or in the microwave until steaming. Froth it using a handheld frother or by vigorously shaking it in a jar.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Pour the shaken espresso into a mug. Top with steamed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon or sea salt if desired. Enjoy while hot and foamy.

How to Serve and Store Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Serve this espresso drink immediately after preparing for the best texture and flavor. It’s perfect on its own or alongside a light breakfast like biscotti or a croissant.

If you want to prep ahead, make a larger batch of the brown sugar syrup and store it in the fridge for up to one week. Just shake up the syrup and fresh espresso whenever you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this drink iced instead?

Yes! Just shake the syrup and espresso with ice, then pour over cold milk.

What’s the best milk to use?

Oat milk and whole milk both froth beautifully and add creamy texture. Almond and soy are great alternatives too.

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

Not necessarily—a mason jar with a tight lid works just as well.

Can I skip the frothing step?

You can, but frothing makes the milk lighter and gives the drink that signature coffeehouse feel.

Is this drink sweet?

It has a warm sweetness from the brown sugar, but you can reduce the amount to taste.

Want More Drink Ideas?

If cozy sips are your thing, check out these warm and creamy favorites from the blog:

Nutella French Toast Casserole — a decadent morning treat.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake — pairs beautifully with coffee.
Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites — a sweet bite-sized companion.
Lemon Sugar Cookies — perfect for citrus lovers.
Cinnamon Donut Bread — like a donut in loaf form.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest coffee board so you can revisit it anytime.

And when you give it a try, let me know how yours turned out! Did you use a special milk? Add extra spice? I’m always curious how you make it yours. Questions and tweaks are welcome in the comments.

Looking for more cozy drinks and dessert pairings? Follow me on Pinterest for daily kitchen inspiration: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy, frothy espresso drink sweetened with homemade brown sugar syrup and finished with steamed milk. The Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is the perfect warm-up beverage for cool mornings, offering sweet, spiced flavor and barista-style texture from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

2 shots espresso

2 tablespoons brown sugar

0.25 teaspoon cinnamon

0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract

0.5 cup milk

1 pinch sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer on low until the sugar is dissolved and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

2. While your syrup simmers, brew your espresso or strong coffee (about 2 shots).

3. In a heat-safe jar or cocktail shaker, add the hot espresso and syrup. Seal and shake carefully for 10-15 seconds until frothy and well mixed.

4. Warm the milk until steaming. Froth with a handheld frother or shake vigorously in a jar.

5. Pour the shaken espresso into a mug, top with frothed milk, and garnish with cinnamon or sea salt if desired. Serve hot.