Iced Brown Sugar Latte with Shaken Espresso

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This iced latte is the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and bold espresso flavor. The homemade Vanilla Brown Sugar Syrup brings a rich depth of flavor with the combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Shaking the espresso gives the latte a silky, frothy texture that makes it extra special. With the option of using oat milk or your preferred dairy, this drink can be customized to suit any taste. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy as a cool refreshment with an aromatic twist!

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Brown Sugar Syrup:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 chai tea bags (optional)

For the Latte:

• 3 shots espresso
• 2-3 dashes cinnamon
• 1 cup oat milk (or milk of choice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Vanilla Brown Sugar Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon stick (or cinnamon powder), and 1/4 cup water over medium heat.
2. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely and the syrup is smooth. If you’re using chai tea bags, add them to the mixture and let steep for about 5 minutes before removing the tea bags.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

For the Latte:

1. Brew the espresso shots (or use a strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine).
2. In a cocktail shaker or jar, add the brewed espresso shots, 2-3 dashes of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of the homemade vanilla brown sugar syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
4. Pour the shaken espresso over a glass of ice.
5. Add 1 cup of oat milk (or your milk of choice) and stir gently to combine.
6. Optionally, top with a pinch of extra cinnamon for garnish and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for the syrup)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Milk Variations: You can substitute oat milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk depending on your preference.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness of the latte by adding more or less of the brown sugar syrup. For a sweeter latte, you can even add a touch of honey.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of nutmeg or even a pinch of ground ginger for an extra layer of spice in your syrup.
• Iced Coffee Option: If you prefer iced coffee, you can substitute the espresso with brewed coffee or a coffee concentrate for a less intense flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the homemade Vanilla Brown Sugar Syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: If you prefer a warm version, simply heat the oat milk and the syrup together in a saucepan before adding the shaken espresso. Stir to combine and serve warm.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for the syrup?

Yes, you can substitute regular white sugar for brown sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different. Brown sugar gives the syrup a rich, caramel-like taste that enhances the flavor of the drink.

How do I make the shaken espresso frothy?

Shaking the espresso with ice in a cocktail shaker or jar creates air bubbles that result in a frothy texture. The more vigorously you shake, the frothier it will be.

Can I make the syrup in advance?

Yes, the syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s easy to prepare in batches, so you always have it ready to go!

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, the recipe is vegan if you use oat milk or another plant-based milk, and the homemade syrup contains no dairy.

Can I make the syrup without the chai tea bags?

Yes, the chai tea bags are optional. They add a layer of additional spice to the syrup, but you can skip them if you prefer a simpler flavor.

Can I make a decaf version of this latte?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe decaf by using decaffeinated espresso or coffee for the shaken espresso.

How can I make this recipe sweeter?

To make the latte sweeter, simply increase the amount of brown sugar syrup you add, or try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to taste.

Can I use a milk frother instead of shaking the espresso?

If you have a milk frother, you can froth the oat milk and add it to the espresso for a creamy texture, but shaking the espresso is the key to creating the frothy effect in this recipe.

How long will the brown sugar syrup last in the refrigerator?

The syrup will last for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just store it in an airtight container and stir before using.

Conclusion

The Iced Brown Sugar Latte with Shaken Espresso offers the perfect combination of bold espresso and creamy sweetness with the rich flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whether you’re sipping it on a hot summer day or enjoying it as an energizing pick-me-up, this iced latte will surely become a favorite. Customize it to your liking with different milks or spices, and enjoy a café-style drink in the comfort of your own home!

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