Save I stumbled on this drink one morning when I was out of regular milk and too tired to run to the store. I had oat milk in the fridge, brown sugar in the pantry, and a jar with a lid. The shaking part wasn't planned—I just wanted everything mixed fast. When I poured it into my glass, it had this gorgeous frothy top I'd never gotten from stirring, and the taste was richer than anything I'd bought at a café.
I made this for my sister on a hot Saturday afternoon when she came over complaining about spending too much on coffee runs. She watched me shake the jar like I was making a cocktail, laughed at first, then went quiet after the first sip. She's been making it at home ever since, and now she texts me photos of her own versions with different syrups.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: It melts into a caramel-like syrup that clings to the coffee in a way white sugar never does, and the molasses notes add warmth.
- Water: Just enough to dissolve the sugar without diluting the syrup too much.
- Ground cinnamon: Optional, but it brings a cozy depth that makes the drink feel more complex.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash rounds out the sweetness and ties the flavors together.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee: The backbone of the drink, so use something you'd actually enjoy drinking on its own.
- Oat milk: It froths beautifully when shaken and has a natural sweetness that complements the brown sugar.
- Ice cubes: The more you use, the frothier the shake, so don't be shy.
Instructions
- Make the syrup:
- Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar melts into a smooth, amber syrup. Pull it off the heat, stir in the cinnamon and vanilla, and let it cool while you prep everything else.
- Brew your coffee:
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso or brew a small amount of strong coffee. Let it cool slightly if you have a minute, but it's fine to use it warm.
- Load the shaker:
- Fill your cocktail shaker or jar halfway with ice, then pour in the syrup, coffee, and oat milk. The ice should be generous so everything gets cold and frothy.
- Shake it up:
- Seal the lid tight and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. You'll hear the ice clinking and feel the drink getting lighter as it froths.
- Pour and serve:
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. If you want, dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon and serve right away while it's still foamy.
Pin it There was a Sunday morning when I made this for a friend who doesn't usually drink coffee. She took one sip, looked up, and said it tasted like a hug in a glass. That's when I realized this wasn't just about caffeine—it was about the ritual, the foam, the way something homemade can feel like a gift.
How to Customize Your Latte
You can swap the brown sugar syrup for maple syrup if you want a deeper, woodsy sweetness, or try coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note. If you like it spiced, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the syrup. For a richer drink, use full-fat oat milk or add a splash of coconut cream before shaking.
Making It Ahead
The brown sugar syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks in a sealed jar, so I make a double batch and have it ready for busy mornings. You can also brew extra coffee and store it in the fridge overnight so everything stays cold. Just shake and pour when you're ready, no waiting around.
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing this with a buttery croissant or a slice of banana bread, something that won't compete with the caramel notes but adds a little substance. On warmer days, I'll make two glasses and sit outside with a book, letting the foam settle while I take my time.
- For a caffeine-free version, use decaf coffee or a strong herbal coffee substitute.
- Top with a dollop of oat milk foam or a light dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.
- If you don't have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works just as well.
Pin it This drink turned my mornings into something I look forward to instead of rush through. I hope it does the same for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How is the brown sugar syrup prepared?
Brown sugar and water are heated together until the sugar dissolves completely, then cinnamon and vanilla extract are stirred in for added flavor.
- → Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, strong brewed coffee works well as a substitute for espresso in this latte.
- → What makes this drink dairy-free?
The creamy texture comes from chilled oat milk rather than traditional dairy milk, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → How should I adjust the sweetness?
Sweetness can be customized by varying the amount of brown sugar syrup added, according to personal taste.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this drink?
A small saucepan to make syrup, a cocktail shaker or jar to mix the ingredients over ice, and an espresso machine or coffee maker for the coffee.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegans?
Yes, using oat milk and no animal products makes this drink vegan-friendly.