Copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

The apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso is Starbucks’s autumn-inspired take on their fan-favorite brown sugar shaken espresso recipe. The brown sugar syrup enhanced with cinnamon and apple perfectly complements the robust espresso flavor. Creamy oat milk completes this apple crisp-flavored espresso drink.

As delicious as the real version is, we all know that heading to the coffee shop to get a daily caffeine hit can be quite a spendy habit. You can easily re-create this delicious iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso recipe at home with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

• Apple juice or cider: Apple juice is the liquid base for the flavored simple syrup. Apple cider provides a more complex and concentrated apple flavor in this apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso recipe.
• Brown sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, brown sugar incorporates molasses, contributing to its richer flavor. You can use light brown or dark brown sugar in this recipe.
• Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks infuse the syrup with a warm flavor. Depending on the type of cinnamon, it may add floral, woody, smoky or spicy notes to the flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds complexity to the apple brown sugar syrup.
• Brewed espresso: For the best flavor, make freshly brewed espresso with quality espresso beans. Use an espresso maker, a Moka pot on the stovetop or a coffee pod machine. No espresso maker? No problem. For an easy substitution, make espresso shots with instant espresso powder.
• Oat milk: This nondairy milk alternative has a creamy, mild, sweet flavor. Use one of the better oat milk brands, or make your oat milk from scratch!
• Ice cubes: Ice ensures the shaken espresso chills to perfection.

Directions

Step 1: Make the apple brown sugar syrup

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the apple juice or cider and the brown sugar. Add the cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the sugar dissolves and the mixture has reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and add vanilla. Let cool.

Step 2: Shake until frothy

Fill a Mason jar with ice. Top with the brown sugar syrup and espresso. Seal with a lid and shake until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is slightly frothy.

Step 3: Pour over ice

Add ice to a 16-ounce glass. Pour the espresso mixture over the ice and top with oat milk. Serve immediately.

Copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Variations

• Use real apples: Make the apple brown sugar syrup using an apple instead of apple juice. To do this, use water instead of apple juice to make the simple syrup. Then, add 2 cups of diced apples to the simple syrup. After simmering, add the vanilla as directed and let sit for 15 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, gently pressing the apples to extract as much juice as possible. Proceed with the shaken espresso recipe as written.
• Add a drizzle of caramel: Enhance the apple and brown sugar flavor with a drizzle of caramel syrup. Or, to complement the sweetness of this iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso, drizzle the top with a little salted caramel sauce.
• Add a sweet cold foam: To make a cold foam topper, combine cold skim milk with a splash of vanilla extract and froth it in a blender, with a French press or with a milk frother.
• Use a different milk: Though this recipe features oat milk, you can, of course, substitute your favorite dairy milk or nondairy milk alternative.

How to Store Copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

This copycat Starbucks apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso recipe is best made immediately before serving. Leftover apple brown sugar syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can you make the syrup in advance?

You can make the apple brown sugar syrup in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

Copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Tips

How can you make this copycat Starbucks shaken espresso in batches?

Because a freshly shaken espresso’s frothy and bubbly texture is part of its allure, it’s best to make this drink individually. However, if you want to serve the drink to a crowd, prep several ingredients beforehand. Calculate how many people you plan to serve, then make the corresponding amount of apple brown sugar syrup and espresso shots. You can make the syrup up to two weeks in advance; for the best flavor, plan to make the espresso no more than 24 hours in advance. Store both in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to use.

What can you serve with a copycat Starbucks apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso?

For the full coffee shop experience, serve your iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso alongside other Starbucks copycat recipes, like savory egg bites, a cheese Danish or a hearty breakfast sandwich.