Name: Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 shots of espresso; 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar syrup; Oat milk; Ice cubes

The Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a dreamy concoction inspired by the collaboration between Dunkin‘ and the sensational Sabrina Carpenter. This limited-time treat, embraced by coffee aficionados and Sabrina’s fans alike, brings a symphony of bold espresso, sweet brown sugar, and creamy oat milk – all shaken into a frothy coffee masterpiece.

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How to make Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

The Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso appears to be a specialty coffee drink that likely combines espresso with brown sugar syrup. The “shaken” technique refers to mixing the ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 shots of espresso: The foundation of your drink, ensuring a robust coffee flavor. Strong brewed coffee can also work if you don’t have an espresso machine, though the flavor profile might change slightly.
2-3 tablespoons brown sugar syrup: Adjust according to your sweetness preference. To make brown sugar syrup, simply simmer equal parts of brown sugar and water until the sugar is fully dissolved, then let it cool.
Oat milk: The key to achieving that creamy texture and a subtle hint of sweetness is that oat milk complements brown sugar perfectly. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how creamy you like your coffee.
Ice cubes: To chill and add body to your shaken espresso.

Instructions:

Prepare Brown Sugar Syrup: If you haven’t already, prepare your brown sugar syrup by simmering equal parts water and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool before using.
Brew Espresso: Brew 2 shots of strong espresso. Select a bold or espresso setting for best results using a coffee machine or pod system.
Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the espresso shots, brown sugar syrup, and a handful of ice cubes.
Shake Vigorously: Shake the mixture aggressively for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the drink and creates a nice frothy texture, essential for the perfect shaken espresso experience.
Pour and Enjoy: Fill a glass with ice and pour the mixture over it. Top off your glass with oat milk, stirring gently if desired. The amount of oat milk can vary depending on personal preference – more for a creamier texture, less for a stronger espresso flavor.

Tips for Perfection:

Espresso Quality Matters: Use high-quality espresso beans for the best flavor. A dark roast is ideal for replicating that bold Dunkin’ essence.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar syrup based on your sweetness preference. Some may like it sweeter, mimicking a dessert, while others may prefer the natural bitterness of the espresso to shine through.
Shaking is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of a good shake! It’s not just about mixing; shaking aerates the beverage, adding a smooth, frothy layer that elevates the whole experience.
Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing drink, chill your serving glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before pouring your shaken espresso into it.

What to serve with

Pairing your homemade Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with the perfect accompaniment can turn a simple coffee break into a truly harmonious experience. Given the drink’s bold espresso flavor balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and the creaminess of oat milk, you’ll want to choose foods that complement these taste profiles.

Sweet Options

Blueberry Scones: The tanginess of the blueberries contrasts beautifully with the sweet and creamy espresso, making for a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Plus, scones bring a delightful texture that pairs well with the liquid nature of the drink.
Cinnamon Rolls: The warm spices and sweet icing of a cinnamon roll complement the brown sugar notes in the espresso. This combination is perfect for those colder mornings or when you crave something sweet and comforting.
Chocolate Croissants: For a truly indulgent pairing, serve your shaken espresso with a chocolate croissant. The buttery layers of pastry and the rich chocolate provide a luxurious complement to the robust coffee and sweet syrup.

Savory Options

Avocado Toast: If you’re leaning towards something savory, avocado toast is a splendid choice. The creaminess of the avocado, especially with a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil, pairs nicely with the sweetness of the drink.
Caprese Salad: A lighter option, like a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic glaze, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the espresso’s richness. The acidity of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese make for a mouthwatering combination.
Smoked Salmon Bagels: Elevate your coffee experience with a decadently prepared bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and red onion. The smokiness of the salmon and the tangy cream cheese balance the sweet and creamy notes of the shaken espresso beautifully.

Dessert Options

Cheesecake: Whether it’s a classic New York-style or a more adventurous flavor, cheesecake’s dense, creamy texture and slight tang are a delightful match for the shaken espresso, making for a luxurious after-dinner treat.
Macarons: These delicate pastries come in various flavors, allowing you to mix and match based on the taste notes of your espresso. The almond flour base and creamy filling offer a light yet satisfying dessert option.
Tiramisu: For a meta coffee experience, pair your coffee drink with a coffee-flavored dessert! The layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cocoa in tiramisu complement the shaken espresso, doubling down on the coffee flavor for true aficionados.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso can be a delightful process, even if you miss some ingredients or need alternatives due to dietary restrictions or personal preference.

Espresso

Instant Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality instant coffee in a small amount of hot water. Adjust according to how strongly you prefer your coffee.
Strong-brewed coffee: Use a French press, Aeropress, or drip coffee maker to brew coffee at double strength. This will not replicate espresso exactly but will provide a strong coffee base.

Brown Sugar

Coconut Sugar is a great substitute. It has a similar flavor profile to brown sugar, with a slight hint of caramel, though it’s less processed.
Maple Syrup or Honey: If you’re out of brown sugar, liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can work in a pinch. They dissolve easily in both hot and cold mixes but will slightly alter the drink’s flavor profile.

Oat Milk

Almond Milk: If you prefer or only have almond milk, it’s a fine substitute. It offers a slightly nutty flavor and is lighter in texture than oat milk, but it works well in shaken espresso.
Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, try coconut milk. Its creaminess matches the espresso well, though it will impart a distinct coconut flavor.
Soy Milk: A great option for those who like their espresso drinks creamy. Soy milk froths well for those who enjoy a bit of foam on top of their shaken espresso.

Ice

While not typically something that needs substituting, if you’re looking for a different texture or serving style:

Frozen Coffee Cubes: Instead of regular ice, freeze coffee into cubes. This prevents your drink from being watered down as the ice melts.
Chilled Espresso: Simply chill the espresso ahead of time and skip the ice for a less diluted flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Sabrina Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at home is more than just preparing a beverage; it’s about crafting an experience.

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