Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso Easy Recipe

How to Make a Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso at Home

Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso has quickly become a fan favorite, offering a rich vanilla flavor with a lightly smoky, caramelized finish.

If you’re looking for a way to recreate this refreshing iced espresso drink at home, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a Starbucks copycat recipe using simple ingredients that you likely already have.

With a homemade toasted vanilla syrup, smooth espresso, and creamy oat milk, you’ll have the perfect iced shaken espresso in minutes.

What is a Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso?

A Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso is a lightly sweetened, espresso-based drink made with toasted vanilla syrup, shots of espresso, oat milk, and plenty of ice.

The drink is shaken in a cocktail shaker to create a smooth, frothy texture. If you love creamy drinks, you might also love this matcha green tea recipe that is rich in flavor and creaminess.

Unlike traditional vanilla lattes, this drink has a toasty flavor that comes from the homemade toasted vanilla syrup.

The blonde roast espresso used in the Starbucks version gives it a slightly lighter coffee flavor compared to darker espresso blends.

This Starbucks drink is part of the spring drink menu, offering a fresh and refreshing espresso drink that’s perfect for warm weather.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

To make this iced shaken espresso, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Espresso shots (Starbucks uses blonde espresso, but any will work)
• Homemade toasted vanilla syrup (recipe below)
• Oat milk or dairy of your choice
• Ice cubes
• Cocktail shaker or mason jar

A tall glass is ideal for serving this drink, as it allows room for the shaken espresso and creamy oat milk to mix perfectly.

How to Make Toasted Vanilla Syrup

The homemade toasted vanilla syrup is what makes this drink stand out. Unlike regular vanilla syrup, this version has a rich, golden brown flavor with a subtle caramelized sweetness.

Ingredients for the Syrup:

• 1 cup of sugar (brown sugar or regular)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 vanilla bean pod or 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A small saucepan

Instructions:

1. Toast the sugar: Heat the sugar in a medium-low heat pan until it turns golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Add water and vanilla: Slowly add water and stir until fully dissolved. Add the vanilla bean pieces or vanilla extract.
3. Simmer: Let the syrup simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Store: Once cooled, pour the syrup into an airtight container for future use.

This sweet toasted vanilla syrup is the key to getting that rich vanilla flavor Starbucks is known for.

Making the Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso

Now that your toasted vanilla syrup is ready, let’s make the drink!

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

• Pull 2-3 shots of espresso using a Nespresso machine or espresso maker.
• If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong cold brew or iced coffee can work as a substitute.

Step 2: Shake with Ice and Syrup

• Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice cubes.
• Add 2 tbsp of toasted vanilla syrup (adjust to taste).
• Pour in the hot espresso shots and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until frothy.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

• Fill a tall glass with fresh ice.
• Pour the shaken espresso over the ice.
• Add creamy oat milk (or your preferred milk) to taste.

For extra sweetness and texture, you can top your drink with cold foam or sweet cream.

Why This Recipe Tastes Just Like Starbucks

The Starbucks version of this drink uses a pre-made toasted vanilla syrup, but making your own allows you to adjust the sweetness and intensity of the flavor.

By shaking the espresso with ice, you create a light, frothy texture, just like a Starbucks iced shaken espresso.

The combination of smooth oat milk and caramelized vanilla syrup brings a fun twist to the classic espresso drink.

How to Customize Your Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso

One of the best things about making this Starbucks copycat recipe at home is the ability to customize it to your taste. If you prefer a stronger espresso flavor, add an extra shot or use a darker roast for a bolder taste.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a sweeter drink, increase the amount of sweet toasted vanilla syrup or try adding a pump of simple syrup for extra sweetness.

For those who love spiced flavors, adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker can enhance the drink’s richness.

You can also experiment with different flavored syrups, such as brown sugar oat milk syrup or Torani s’mores syrup, to create your own version of this Starbucks favorite.

How to Store Your Homemade Toasted Vanilla Syrup

If you plan to make this shaken espresso often, you’ll want to store extra homemade toasted vanilla syrup for future use.

After preparing the syrup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or heat-proof bowl with a lid. This will help preserve the rich vanilla flavor and prevent crystallization.

Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, shaking or stirring before use. If the syrup thickens too much, simply warm it up for a few seconds or add a small amount of water to loosen it.

Having this syrup on hand makes it easy to recreate this refreshing espresso drink anytime.

Why Starbucks Blonde Espresso Works Best for This Recipe

While you can use any espresso for this drink, Starbucks specifically uses blonde espresso in their Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso.

Blonde espresso is a lighter roast with a smoother, slightly sweeter taste compared to darker espresso roasts. This makes it a perfect match for the toasty vanilla flavor of this drink.

If you don’t have access to Starbucks blonde roast, you can achieve a similar result by using a medium roast espresso or a Nespresso machine with a lighter espresso pod.

Just keep in mind that darker roasts will create a more intense, bold espresso flavor, which can slightly alter the overall taste.

How This Drink Compares to Other Starbucks Iced Espresso Drinks

If you love Starbucks’ iced espresso drinks, you might be wondering how this one stacks up against other popular options.

The Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso is less sweet than the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more balanced, lightly sweetened drink.

Compared to the Iced Caramel Macchiato, this drink has a lighter, more refreshing texture due to the shaking process, which gives it a smooth, airy consistency.

If you typically enjoy iced coffee, this iced shaken espresso is a fantastic upgrade that still delivers a strong caffeine kick.

Best Milk Options for This Drink

While Starbucks uses oat milk, you can customize your drink with different dairy options:

• Almond milk: Adds a nutty undertone.
• Coconut milk: Enhances the toasted flavor.
• Whole milk: Creates a creamier texture.
• Skim milk: A lighter option with fewer calories.

If you prefer less sugar, simply use less syrup or opt for an unsweetened milk alternative.

Tips for the Perfect Starbucks Copycat Recipe

1. Use high-quality espresso – The better the coffee, the better the drink.
2. Shake vigorously – This gives the espresso its signature frothy top.
3. Adjust sweetness – Add more or less syrup based on your preference.
4. Use fresh ice – This ensures your drink stays cold without diluting the flavor too quickly.

FAQs About Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso

1. Can I make this drink without an espresso machine?

Yes! You can still enjoy a homemade shaken espresso without an espresso machine. The key is to use a strong coffee base that mimics the bold, rich flavor of espresso. Here are a few options:

• Cold Brew Concentrate: Cold brew has a naturally smooth taste with low acidity, making it a great substitute for espresso. Use a 1:1 ratio of cold brew concentrate to water for a stronger coffee flavor.
• Strongly Brewed Coffee: Use a French press, AeroPress, or Moka pot to brew a highly concentrated coffee similar to espresso. A good method is to use twice the amount of coffee grounds per cup of water to create a richer flavor.
• Instant Espresso Powder: If you’re short on time, instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water can provide a quick and convenient alternative.

While these substitutes won’t produce the exact crema and intensity of espresso, they will still create a deliciously bold and flavorful shaken espresso drink.

2. How much caffeine is in a Starbucks shaken espresso?

A grande Starbucks Shaken Espresso contains 170 mg of caffeine, but this amount can vary depending on the number of espresso shots used and whether you opt for a blonde espresso roast or a regular dark roast.

Here’s a breakdown of caffeine levels based on Starbucks’ espresso shot count:

• Tall (12 oz) – 2 shots of espresso (~150 mg of caffeine)
• Grande (16 oz) – 3 shots of espresso (~170 mg of caffeine)
• Venti (24 oz) – 4 shots of espresso (~225 mg of caffeine)

If you want to reduce caffeine intake, you can:

• Use fewer espresso shots (1-2 instead of 3).
• Choose decaf espresso (Starbucks offers decaf versions).
• Dilute the drink with more milk or water to balance the flavor.

For a stronger caffeine kick, opt for extra espresso shots, as each additional shot adds about 65 mg of caffeine.

3. Can I make this drink hot?

Yes! While the shaken espresso is traditionally served iced, you can easily turn it into a warm, comforting version by following a few simple steps:

• Skip the ice and prepare the espresso as usual.
• Use steamed milk instead of cold milk for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Warm the toasted vanilla syrup slightly before mixing it with the espresso to enhance its caramelized flavor.
• Froth the milk using a milk frother or a simple whisk to create microfoam, similar to a Starbucks toasted vanilla latte.

The hot version of this drink will taste more like a toasted vanilla latte, with a richer, creamier consistency compared to the iced shaken espresso. It’s a great alternative for colder months or if you prefer warm coffee drinks over iced ones.

4. What ingredients are in a shaken espresso?

A shaken espresso is a refreshing iced espresso drink that is shaken with ice and syrup to create a smooth, frothy texture. The basic ingredients in a shaken espresso include:

• Espresso shots – Typically 2-3 shots of espresso for a bold coffee flavor.
• Ice – Helps chill and aerate the espresso for a lighter texture.
• Flavored syrup – A sweetener like vanilla syrup, brown sugar syrup, or toasted vanilla syrup enhances the flavor.
• Milk (optional) – Some versions, like the Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso, include oat milk or other dairy alternatives for a creamy finish.

The key to a great shaken espresso is shaking it vigorously in a cocktail shaker or mason jar to create a light, foamy top, which sets it apart from a standard iced espresso drink.

5. What’s the difference between a latte and an espresso?

The main difference between a latte and an espresso is the ratio of coffee to milk and how they are prepared:

• Espresso is a highly concentrated coffee shot made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under pressure. It has a strong, bold flavor and is typically served in small 1-ounce shots.
• A latte is a milk-based espresso drink that consists of 1-2 shots of espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with a thin layer of milk foam. It has a creamier, milder taste compared to straight espresso.

While espresso is a standalone coffee shot, a latte is an espresso-based drink that is larger, smoother, and more balanced due to the added milk.

If you prefer strong coffee, go for an espresso, but if you enjoy creamy, smooth coffee drinks, a latte is the better choice.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Best Starbucks Copycat Recipe?

This Starbucks Toasted Vanilla Shaken Espresso Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite drink at home. The sweet toasted vanilla syrup, shaken espresso, and creamy oat milk make this one of the best Starbucks drinks to recreate.

If you’re a fan of iced espresso beverages, this refreshing iced espresso drink is a must-try. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and tastes just like the Starbucks version.

Give this recipe a try and let us know—does it taste like the real thing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Bonus: Printable Recipe Card

For easy access, save this recipe card for later:

📌 Pin this on Pinterest!