This one is sure to be a winner. Not only is it dairy-free, but it’s also an easy-to-make espresso recipe that is sure to be added to your espresso menu, maybe even one of your top favorites. It’s not only delicious, but also fun to make. It uses oat milk instead of regular milk, which is a great alternative for those who can’t or choose not to, drink dairy. I love oat milk. It has a nice creamy texture and a slightly sweeter taste compared to other non-dairy milk options unless you prefer unsweetened oat milk, of course. What I love about this recipe is you can customize it to your liking! It makes for a great base to create a very flavorful espresso drink.

Oat milk, as in the name, is made from oats, a great source of fiber and vitamins such as your B vitamins, thiamine, and folate! I like to use a 16oz glass mason jar for my shaken espressos because it is the same size as a grande at Starbucks. But you can use whatever size you want. Though, you may need to adjust the amount of espresso and oat milk you use depending on your cup size.

One drink I love to make using this recipe is a toasted coconut shaken espresso. It is the best, a 5-star rating for sure! Of course, you can use any flavor you enjoy the most! I have also used Brown sugar instead of syrup for an amazing, iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso with a dash of ground cinnamon. I like to use dark brown sugar for that, but that is a personal preference!

Stats:

• Prep time: 10 min
• Cook time: 10 min
• Serving size: 16oz
• Featured Gear:
• Espresso maker
• Milk Frother or steamer
• Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Espresso
• 1 c Oat Milk
• Ice
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Syrup (or if you don't like sweet, you can just use Vanilla extract for the flavor)

Directions:

Step 1:

First, you are going to brew your espresso into a cup or mug.

Step 2:

Next, Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it roughly halfway with ice. Pour your shot of espresso into the shaker with the ice and add vanilla syrup. Replace the lid on the shaker and vigorously shake your espresso for roughly 30 seconds or until your espresso is slightly lighter in color and foamy on top.

Step 3:

Now grab a cup of your choice, fill the cup with ice to the top, and then strain your shaken espresso into your cup.

Step 4:

Grab your oat milk and top off your drink with the oat milk. It is that easy!

Tips & Substitutions:

• As I said, I like to use a tall glass. I usually use a 16 oz cup for my shaken espresso drinks because it is the same size as a grande from Starbucks. The glass holds the ice longer, so it keeps my drink cooler without watering it down fast, but it's a personal preference, so use whatever works best for you.
• Oat milk has a few different flavor options you could choose from as well! You don't have to just use plain oat milk. Pick a flavor and add a little pizazz to your espresso!
• When it comes to oat milk, I recommend Oatly oat milk. It is creamy, smooth, and gluten-free. It froths beautifully and has a great flavor to it.
• I love vanilla, but you can use any syrup you prefer! Or even make your own using sugar, water, and your favorite extract heated to a boil in a small saucepan. Let it cool, and then create the rest of your drink.
• Another option to use instead of cocoa powder is chocolate malt powder. Malted milk powder is sweet, though, so try a little less and add more gradually to fit your preferred sweetness. Depending on how sweet you like your drink, you might not have to add any more sugar to your mixture.
• Add a small pinch of salt to help tone down a bitter-tasting espresso. As a bonus, it will bring out the sweet notes as well. Just don't add more than a pinch, or you will end up with a very salty espresso drink, and no one wants that!
• So, the best way to get a quality, cafe-worthy shot of espresso is with an espresso machine. But let's face it, a lot of people don't have that option. No worries, you can also use a Nespresso machine or other pod machine, French press, moka pot, or finely ground espresso beans and 93° F hot water.
• Want to turn this into a protein drink for those gym days? Omit the syrup (unless you like a lot of sweetness) from your espresso, and mix the powder with your oat milk in the shaker before adding it to your espresso glass. Or throw it all into a blender to make an amazing protein drink.
• If you are new to making espresso and buying beans, don't panic. Start with a medium roast coffee. Remember, the darker the bean roast, the more bold and bitter-tasting the espresso will be. Just play around with a few different roasts until you find your flavor preference.
• I know some people can't drink espresso or just don't like it, but that's okay! You can also substitute the espresso for plain cold brew coffee. It is a great option for those who like the coffee flavors but maybe want decaf instead.
• This is a great recipe to play with if you are interested in different flavors. Brown sugar syrup is also a great way to sweeten your coffee drink and create a delicious brown sugar-shaken espresso. Just a couple of tablespoons are all you will need. The brown sugar syrup makes your beverage taste almost exactly like a Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso.
• Add a little cocoa powder to your espresso before you shake for a nice chocolate flavor, or you can purchase chocolate oat milk if you prefer that route.
• You can add all the ingredients, including the oat milk, to your shaker and shake it together. This gives a foamier texture to the milk.
• This recipe is for oat milk, but you can always substitute it for almond, soy, or dairy milk. When you make it, make it your own!

Final Thoughts

Take a crack at this recipe, and let me know how you like it! I always suggest a good quality espresso machine and grinder to elevate your espresso-making experience and your espresso drinks.

If you are unsure of where to start, check out Curated for your machine and get a chance to talk to one of our Coffee and Espresso Experts. We will help you find exactly what you need to meet your Espresso and coffee needs!