In a small saucepan, combine dark brown sugar, water, and cinnamon. Stir these together over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil. The dark brown sugar should fully dissolve, creating a syrupy consistency that’s rich and inviting.
Once boiling, reduce the temperature to low and let it simmer for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together. You’ll notice the scent of cinnamon filling your kitchen, which is absolutely delightful!
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add vanilla extract. Give it a good stir. This addition will enhance the aroma and add an extra layer of flavor to your syrup.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature before you use it. This is an important step, as using hot syrup can melt your ice too quickly!
Once cooled, strain the syrup using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This ensures a smooth texture without any clumps. Store this delicious syrup in an airtight container for later use.
Now, it’s time to assemble your drink! In a shaker, add ice, brown sugar syrup, and espresso. Make sure to use fresh espresso for the best flavor.
Shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds. This mixing will chill the drink and create a frothy texture. You want to feel that energy as you shake it!
Pour the mixture into a glass filled with additional ice. The ice will help keep your drink cool and refreshing.
Finally, top off your drink with oat milk. You can adjust the amount of oat milk based on your preference—more for creaminess, or less for a bolder espresso flavor.