Starbucks’ 2025 menu features a new Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado. This lightly sweet, creamy drink caters to vegan trends while highlighting espresso’s delicate flavors.
What is a Cortado?
Cortado is a traditional espresso drink in the Basque Country of northern Spain. It’s a perfectly balanced 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk with a little milk foam on top. The flavor of this drink just like a harmony between robust espresso and silky steamed milk.
Why Oat Milk?
Practically speaking, oat milk isn’t just a trend – it’s a solution. Here’s why:
- Lactose intolerance: In U.S, 36% of population struggle with dairy digestion (per World Population Review).
- Dietary preferences: Vegan diets fuel a $22+ billion global market. North America dominating at 37% market share in 2024. (Precedence Research, 2025).
Advantages of Oat Milk
✅ Natural sweetness: Reduces need for added sugar.
✅ Creamy texture: Steams into velvety microfoam—ideal for latte art (Reddit barista insights).
✅ Eco-friendly: Lower carbon footprint vs. dairy or almond milk.
Why It Shines in Cortados
“Oat milk foams well and doesn’t overshadow espresso’s complexity—perfect for cortados’ 1:1 balance.”
Starbucks’ 2025 Brown Sugar Oat milk Cortado proves its mainstream appeal: 3 ristretto shots + barista oat milk + brown sugar syrup.
Ingredients & Tools
- Oat Milk: Barista edition. Barista-style milk add organic fats (like sunflower oil) for dairy-like creaminess without processed oils. (e.g., Willa’s)
- Espresso: Ristretto shots of blonde espresso. Less bitterness, brighter notes
- Equipment: Espresso maker and automatic milk frother for the best result. Or Moka pot and hand frother + microwave (no coffee shop machine needed!)
Pro Tip: Grocery-grade oat milk lacks of fat content for stable foam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Espresso
- Brew 2 ristretto shots (20g coffee → 30g output).
- Alternative: Moka pot or AeroPress for concentrated coffee.
2. Steam Oat Milk:
- Heating oat milk to 55–65°C changes the protein and complex sugar structures. Creating a smooth, creamy texture, increasing foaming ability and foam stability. Too high temperature (>70°C) causes excessive protein breakdown, causing clumping and reducing foam quality. (Jaksics et al., 2023)
3. Combine
- Pour milk from 6″ height into espresso.
- Swirl gently to merge layers—no stirring!
Troubleshooting & Variations
Issue:
- No foam or Curdling: lower temperature to 55–65°C, change to Barista Oat Milk
- Bitterness: Use brown sugar syrup or lighter roasted beans
Plant-Based Subs:
- Soy: Foams well but may overpower espresso.
- Almond: Light flavor; requires added fat.
Brown Sugar Oat Cortado
- Line cup with 1 tbsp brown sugar syrup.
- Add espresso + frothed oat milk.
- Dust with cocoa or cinnamon.
Iced Version
- Substitute cold brew for espresso.
- Shake oat milk + ice before layering.
Pairings
- Dark chocolate or almond biscotti.
Personalize Your Brew
- Adjust ratio: Try 1:1.5 for creamier texture.
- Experiment: Add cardamom syrup or orange zest.
Key Takeaway: Temperature is king, use a thermometer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado
What is a brown sugar oat milk cortado and how does it differ from a regular cortado?
A brown sugar oat milk cortado is a 1:1 espresso-to-milk drink that’s sweetened with brown‑sugar syrup and uses oat milk instead of dairy or almond milk. The result is a velvety, lightly sweet coffee that highlights espresso’s subtle complexity while being dairy‑free and lower in calories.
How do I make a barista‑quality brown sugar oat milk cortado at home?
Start with two ristretto shots (≈30 g total). Heat oat milk to 55–65 °C, then froth to a microfoam. Pour the milk gently from a 6‑inch height into the espresso, let the layers settle, and sprinkle a drizzle of brown‑sugar syrup on top. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Why is oat milk a great choice for cortados compared to dairy or almond milk?
Oat milk produces stable, creamy microfoam that doesn’t overpower espresso. It’s naturally sweet, so you need less added sugar, contains lower fat than dairy, and has a lower carbon footprint than almond milk, making it an eco‑friendly, plant‑based option for cortados.
Can I customize my brown sugar oat milk cortado with extra flavors or spices?
Yes! After layering, add a splash of cardamom or orange‑zest syrup, or top with a fine dusting of cinnamon or cocoa. For a seasonal twist, sprinkle ground nutmeg or chili powder. Experiment with ratios (up to 1:1.5 espresso‑to‑milk) to achieve your preferred creaminess.
What troubleshooting tips help achieve the perfect latte art on a brown sugar oat milk cortado?
Keep the oat milk at 60 °C for smoothness, use a sharp pour from a steady hand, and avoid stirring once the milk hits the espresso. If the foam curdles, lower the temperature slightly or switch to barista‑flavored oat milk, which has added fats for stability.
