Copycat Starbucks Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

When it comes to morning coffee, I don’t mess around! The first thing I do while I’m rushing around trying to get out the door is to get my pour-over coffee going. As simple and tasty as regular coffee is, though, sometimes I want something a little more exciting—something I refer to as “fancy coffee.” With this recipe for copycat Starbucks iced toasted vanilla oat milk shaken espresso, you’ll be making fancy coffees in no time.

This shaken espresso is great in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up with a sweet snack, especially another Starbucks copycat recipe like their famous lemon loaf cake. Between the toasty vanilla flavor and the creamy oat milk to swirl it all together, it’s the perfect coffee treat. Plus, you’ll feel like a proper barista while saving some money and skipping the line.

What is a shaken espresso?

If you’re a fan of cold brew but the caffeine is just a bit too much, you’ll be very happy to discover shaken espresso.

This iced drink consists of a shot of espresso shaken with ice, a sweetener and a big splash of milk. Though it’s now a popular Starbucks drink, it originally comes from the Italian drink caffé shakerato, which is an espresso with ice and syrup, mixed in a cocktail shaker.

Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

• Espresso: A shot of espresso varies from 1 to 2 ounces, depending on the espresso machine and whether it’s a single or double shot. Pull however many shots you need to get 4.5 ounces of espresso. Swap espresso for strongly brewed coffee if needed.
• Oat milk: There are many options at the store, so use our Test Kitchen’s picks for the best oat milk brands, from the creamiest to the best bang for your buck.
• Vanilla bean: Since vanilla is the star of the show, vanilla beans are totally worth the splurge. If you don’t want the vanilla bean price tag but still want those pretty black flecks, reach for vanilla bean paste.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar, water and the vanilla bean are boiled together to make a lovely vanilla bean-infused simple syrup.

Directions

Step 1: Make vanilla syrup

Start with the vanilla syrup since it will have to cool down. You can even prep this syrup a few days in advance.

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, dry toast the vanilla bean for one to two minutes or until it’s fragrant. Add the water and sugar, and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has reduced slightly, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and discard the vanilla bean. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Shake the drink and serve

Fill a Mason jar with the ice. Top with the vanilla sugar syrup and the cooled espresso. Screw the lid on and shake until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. Add fresh ice to a 16-ounce glass. Pour the espresso mixture over the ice, and top it with oat milk. Serve the coffee immediately and enjoy!

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Recipe Variations

• Use your favorite roast: Our copycat Starbucks iced toasted vanilla oat milk shaken espresso recipe is made with a blond roast, but you can use a darker roast if that’s your personal preference.
• Swap a vanilla bean for vanilla extract: If vanilla beans aren’t accessible to you, substitute it for three teaspoons of the best vanilla extract you can find.

How to Store Copycat Starbucks Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

If you have any leftovers you want to save, simply cover the top of your glass with storage wrap or pour the shaken espresso back into the jar and screw on the lid. It can be kept in the fridge for up to one day, though the ice will melt and it will be diluted. Stir it or shake it before drinking again.

Can you make copycat Starbucks iced toasted vanilla oat milk shaken espresso ahead of time?

While we do recommend waiting to shake the drink right until you’re ready to serve it, you can make the toasted vanilla syrup ahead of time. Once it’s made, allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature, then pour it into a jar or airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It can be kept for up to two weeks.

Copycat Starbucks Iced Toasted Vanilla Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Tips

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Is toasted vanilla oat milk shaken espresso sweet?

This drink is sweet, but it’s not the sweetest drink on the Starbucks menu. The toasted vanilla syrup is the sweet component, so you can use more or less to make it exactly to your liking.

Is the toasted vanilla or brown sugar shaken espresso better?

I have tried both the toasted vanilla and the brown sugar shaken espresso, and they’re both delicious.

The toasted vanilla was the winner for me though, being a fan of vanilla and toasty things. The hidden bonus of the toasted vanilla is that your house will smell like freshly roasted marshmallows, which I can never pass up! And the syrup recipe makes enough for four or five drinks, so you’ll have plenty on hand for the days to come.

Can you make this with regular milk instead of oat milk?

You can definitely make this iced toasted vanilla oat milk shaken espresso recipe with regular milk. But give the oat milk a try! If you haven’t jumped on the oat-milk train yet, you’ll find that it makes such a deliciously creamy option for a coffee drink, with its slightly nutty flavor adding another layer of depth.

You can even make your own oat milk if you really want to make the whole recipe from scratch.