With its cozy swirl of brown sugar, espresso, and creamy milk, the Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is a coffeehouse classic brought to your own kitchen. This drink takes everything you love about a shaken iced espresso and makes it warm, spiced, and comforting—perfect for chilly mornings or an indulgent afternoon break.

A frothy, cinnamon-kissed layer tops this velvety espresso, and the brown sugar adds a rich molasses depth that’s beautifully balanced with the espresso’s intensity. Whether you need a caffeine boost or a little moment of luxury, this drink delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- It’s a quick, cozy treat you can whip up in 5 minutes.
- Tastes just like your favorite coffee shop drink—without the drive-thru.
- Balanced sweetness, bold espresso, and creamy milk froth.
- Customizable: use your milk of choice or add vanilla.
What Kind of Espresso Should I Use?
Use a bold, rich espresso roast for best flavor. A dark roast espresso pod (for machines) or freshly brewed espresso shot from an espresso maker is ideal. If you don’t have espresso on hand, strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder can be a decent substitute.
Ingredients for the Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Each ingredient in this cozy drink adds depth and texture, working together to create a warm and indulgent cup:
- Espresso Shots: The heart of the drink—strong, smooth, and energizing.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses-like sweetness that complements espresso.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the sugar’s richness and boosts aroma.
- Milk (any kind): Softens the espresso’s intensity and adds creaminess. Whole milk or oat milk are great options.
- Ice (for shaking): Quickly chills the espresso to froth it without watering down flavor. Optional if you’re serving piping hot.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): Rounds out the flavor with a soft, sweet note.
How To Make the Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Brew 2 shots of espresso using your preferred method. If you’re using strong coffee or instant espresso, make sure it’s bold and concentrated.
Step 2: Shake With Sugar and Cinnamon
In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the hot espresso with 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until frothy and well-blended.
Step 3: Froth and Heat the Milk
Warm your milk on the stove or in the microwave. Froth it using a milk frother or whisk until it’s creamy and airy.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Pour the shaken espresso into a glass mug. Top with your warm frothed milk. Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top for flair.
Step 5: Optional Sweet Touch
If you enjoy a sweeter touch, add a splash of vanilla extract or drizzle of maple syrup.

How to Serve and Store Your Espresso Drink
This drink is best served immediately while hot and frothy. It makes one generous cup, perfect for one person, but can easily be doubled for two. If you need to prep in advance, you can shake the espresso with sugar and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat and top with fresh milk.
What to Serve With Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?
☕ Warm Banana Bread
The classic pairing of banana and brown sugar feels right at home with this coffee.
☕ Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Double the cinnamon and indulge in cozy sweetness.
☕ Savory Avocado Toast
Balance the sweet drink with a creamy, savory toast like this Avocado Bacon and Egg Toast.
☕ Chocolate Muffins
Rich chocolate meets bold espresso—a match made in heaven.
☕ Egg Bites or Mini Quiches
For a quick protein-rich bite, these make your coffee feel like a real breakfast.
☕ Overnight French Toast
For weekend brunch, pair it with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast.
☕ Cheesy Spinach Shells
Need something heartier for a brunch vibe? Try these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells.
Want More Coffee & Drink Ideas?
If this warm espresso hit the spot, you might love these flavorful sips too:
- Christmas Frost Fairy Punch for a magical holiday vibe.
- Spicy Sailor’s Dip paired with a bold brew.
- Magic Lemon Cobbler for a citrusy bite with your coffee.
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for a sweet and rich breakfast pairing.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest coffee or breakfast board so you can make it again anytime.
Tried it with oat milk or added maple syrup? Let us know in the comments how you customized your cup! Your tips help others perfect their cozy creations.
Explore more flavorful drinks and treats at Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite sip.
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Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a cozy, café-style drink you can make at home in minutes? This Hot Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is rich, warming, and full of comforting flavor. With bold espresso, deep brown sugar sweetness, a touch of cinnamon, and frothy milk, it’s the perfect homemade coffee treat for chilly mornings or a quick mid-day pick-me-up. It’s creamy, slightly spiced, and effortlessly satisfying—making it a fantastic option for coffee lovers who want something quick, easy, and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas, a healthy snack alternative to sugary coffeehouse drinks, or just a delicious easy recipe to upgrade your routine, this warm drink is a must-try.
Ingredients
2 shots espresso
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup ice (optional, for shaking)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Brew the espresso using your preferred method.
2. Add hot espresso, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a shaker or mason jar.
3. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until frothy.
4. Heat and froth the milk using a frother or whisk.
5. Pour the shaken espresso into a glass mug.
6. Top with warm frothed milk.
7. Optional: add vanilla extract or a drizzle of maple syrup.
8. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before serving.
Notes
For extra foam, use a milk frother or French press to whip your milk until light and airy.
Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a slightly different warm and sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
