Imagine starting your day or capping off your afternoon with the indulgent taste of the Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer—made by you- in your beloved mug, with the morning light softly filtering through your window. Whether you’re still in your pajamas or taking a break from the home office hustle, the journey to a barista-level treat is about to begin.
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How to make Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer
Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer is a pre-made coffee creamer that combines the sweet, rich flavor of brown sugar with a creamy texture. It is specifically designed for espresso-based drinks.
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
For the Shaken Espresso:
- 2 shots of espresso or about 2 ounces of strongly brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup whole milk or a milk of your choice (oat milk for a non-dairy option)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
Making the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture just begins to simmer.
- Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon if you want a spice hint.
- Allow the mixture to cool before using it. The excess can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for future use.
Assembling the Shaken Espresso Creamer:
- Pull your espresso shots or brew strong coffee and let them cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker or jar with ice cubes, about halfway.
- Pour the espresso over the ice, followed by 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of your homemade brown sugar syrup.
- Seal and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture to remove the ice and pour the espresso mix into a glass.
- Top with cold milk, stirring gently to combine. You now have your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer.
Tips:
- Choosing Your Espresso: The quality of your espresso is key to the end result. If you have an espresso machine, that’s perfect, but a Nespresso or similar capsule machine can produce a decent substitute. Otherwise, a strong coffee from a Moka pot or Aeropress can work as well.
- Customizing Your Creamer: Adjust the sweetness level of your syrup according to your preference. Some might enjoy a more pronounced brown sugar flavor, while others may prefer just a hint.
- Syrup Consistency: If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can reduce it further on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Storage: Your brown sugar syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a month, ready to delight your palate immediately.
- Serving: For an extra touch of indulgence, top your drink with a dash of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish. You can also blend the espresso mixture with milk using a frother to add a creamy texture.
What to serve with
Once you’ve created your superb Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer right at home, you’ll want to pair it with some delightful companions to elevate your coffee break to a full-on gourmet experience.
Baked Goods:
1. Classic Blueberry Muffins: A staple in the coffee pairing world, a soft, buttery blueberry muffin complements the robust flavors of espresso and the sweet notes of brown sugar.
2. Banana Bread: The moist and tender texture of banana bread with its aromatic profile makes it a heartwarming partner to your Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer.
3. Cinnamon Rolls: The sweet, spicy swirls of cinnamon marry well with the brown sugar and cinnamon hints in your creamer.
4. Biscotti: These Italian twice-baked cookies are made for coffee-dipping, adding a satisfying crunch to your coffee moment.
5. Scones: Opt for scones, whether traditional plain or chocolate chip or a fruit variant like raspberry or lemon; they provide an excellent semi-sweet counterbalance to the creamer.
Breakfast Items:
1. Avocado Toast: For a more savory match, serve your espresso with creamy avocado toast on crusty, whole-grain bread, topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Quiche: A slice of quiche, with its flaky crust and rich filling, can be a delicious counterpart. For a savory pairing, try ones with spinach and feta or bacon and cheese.
3. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer unsweetened Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a healthier option that complements the coffee’s creamy sweetness.
4. Oatmeal: Top your morning oatmeal with nuts, honey, and fresh fruit, creating a wholesome and filling accompaniment.
Afternoon Tea Snacks:
1. Petit Fours: These small, elegant bite-sized cakes glazed with fondant can add an air of sophistication to your coffee indulgence.
2. Tea Sandwiches: Cucumber, dill, and cream cheese sandwiches or egg and cress sandwiches cut into delicate shapes can add a touch of British flair to your coffee affair.
3. Cheese and Fruit Platter: A selection of fine cheeses, along with crisp grapes, figs, and pear slices, can magically complement the bold flavors in your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer.
Desserts:
1. Cheesecake: A creamy, decadent cheesecake either plain or topped with caramel or berries, is a luxurious dessert that can be savored with your homemade espresso.
2. Chocolate Truffles: Dark chocolate truffles are an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with coffee’s depth. They offer a rich, melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
3. Apple Crisp: A warm, spiced apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be the ultimate comfort dessert to go with your drink.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re aiming to recreate the Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer but need to swap out some ingredients due to allergies, dietary preferences, or simply because you’re out of stock on certain items, here are some alternative ingredients you can consider:
Original Ingredient: Espresso
Substitutes:
- Strong-Brewed Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute very strong-brewed coffee. A French press or a high coffee-to-water ratio in a drip coffee maker could work.
- Instant Espresso Powder: This can be a quick alternative. Mix it with hot water according to package instructions to achieve the desired espresso strength.
Original Ingredient: Brown Sugar
Substitutes:
- Coconut Sugar: Similar in texture to brown sugar, it provides a caramel-like flavor.
- Maple Syrup: A liquid sweetener that complements coffee with its distinct taste.
- Honey or Agave Syrup: Although their flavors differ from brown sugar, both are natural sweeteners that can replace brown sugar’s sweetness.
- White Sugar + Molasses: If you have molasses, you can mix it with white sugar to mimic the flavor of brown sugar (about 1 tablespoon of molasses to 1 cup of white sugar).
Original Ingredient: Ice
Substitutes:
- Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover coffee into cubes. These prevent your drink from getting watered down as it melts.
- Frozen Milk Cubes: These can add extra creaminess as they melt.
Original Ingredient: Cream
Substitutes:
- Milk: Any variety from whole to skim milk can work if you prefer a lighter creamer.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk can be great substitutes for a non-dairy version. Choose barista or creamer blends for better froth and creaminess.
- Half-and-Half: A combination of milk and cream that works well as a substitute for pure cream with a slightly lighter texture.
Original Ingredient: Cinnamon
Substitutes:
- Nutmeg: This can add a distinct warm note that works well with coffee.
- Pumpkin Spice: A blend that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to create a cozy flavor profile.
- Allspice or Clove: Both can contribute a warm and aromatic quality, although they should be used sparingly so as not to overpower the drink.
Final Thoughts
With these ingredients and instructions, you now hold the secret to a delectable Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer made right at home.
More Starbucks Recipes:
- Homemade Starbucks Cortado Recipe
- Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte Recipe
- Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Caffè Misto Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
For the Shaken Espresso:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Making the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture just begins to simmer.
- Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon if you want a spice hint.
- Allow the mixture to cool before using it. The excess can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for future use.
Assembling the Shaken Espresso Creamer:
- Pull your espresso shots or brew strong coffee and let them cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker or jar with ice cubes, about halfway.
- Pour the espresso over the ice, followed by 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of your homemade brown sugar syrup.
- Seal and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture to remove the ice and pour the espresso mix into a glass.
- Top with cold milk, stirring gently to combine. You now have your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer.