Oatmilk Shaken Espresso + Peanut Butter Whiskey (cocktail recipe)
Peanut butter whiskey and espresso are a match made in flavor heaven. Don’t believe me? Try this Skrewball peanut butter whiskey cocktail with oatmilk and espresso. It’s an easy after-dinner drink inspired by Starbucks’ oatmilk shaken espressos. Nutty, bold, and slightly sweet, it’s sure to please anyone that loves dessert cocktails like espresso martinis or Irish coffees.
Did I convince you to try it yet? Let’s shake one up!
Reasons to love this peanut butter whiskey cocktail
If you’re looking for a creative way to use peanut butter whiskey, this cocktail has you covered. The nutty flavor of peanut butter whiskey pairs perfectly with the bold flavor of espresso in this spiked iced espresso drink.
Think of it as an “adult” version of those Starbucks oatmilk shaken espresso drinks. (My favorite.) This drink is made using the same method your barista uses, but it also has whiskey in it. If you enjoy espresso martinis and Irish coffees, you’ll enjoy this drink too.
This is the ideal coffee cocktail for holiday parties and family gatherings. It’ll give you a caffeine boost, keep the party going, and impress your guests.
Shhh… we won’t tell them how easy it is to make.
Ingredients for a spiked shaken espresso
The ingredients for this coffee cocktail are simple – all you need is some espresso, complementary spirit(s) of choice, and your favorite creamy beverage (dairy or non-dairy). Here’s what I used:
- Espresso – This recipe is at its most rich and delicious with freshly brewed espresso. No espresso maker at home? No problem. Grab a shot of espresso (or four) from a nearby coffee shop. Or… use instant espresso powder. Don’t come for me, coffee snobs. I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly yummy. Mix 2 tsp instant espresso powder with 1 oz hot water to make a single espresso shot.
- Peanut butter whiskey – This flavored and sweetened whiskey is lower in ABV than standard whiskey (70 proof vs 100 proof). Its main purpose in this recipe is to add nutty flavor and sweetness. See recipe modifications for other flavor ideas!
- Whiskey – A dash of plain, unflavored whiskey adds a gentle bite to remind you that you’re drinking a cocktail. Don’t worry, it’s not too boozy.
- Ground cinnamon – This is an optional ingredient, but a dash of cinnamon brings out the nutty coffee flavors in this recipe. Measure with your heart!
- Oat milk – Since this recipe is inspired by the Iced Oatmilk Shaken Espresso drinks at Starbucks, I thought it only fitting to use oat milk. A creamy barista blend from Oatly or Califia Farms would work best. You can use any type of milk or cream that you prefer! See recipe modifications for other milk ideas.
Tips for the best iced coffee cocktail
This recipe uses the same method Starbucks baristas use to make oatmilk shaken espressos. Instead of running to the coffee shop for a $5 drink, you can make your own at home… and add booze to it. *wink*
- Sweeten to your liking – Since the peanut butter whiskey in this recipe is sweetened, this drink doesn’t need extra syrup or sweeteners, unless you like your coffee drinks extra sweet. If you’re using regular, unsweetened whiskey or if you’d like to sweeten up this drink, add ½-1 oz simple syrup or a flavored cinnamon syrup. (You can find my easy cinnamon syrup recipe in my apple cider old fashioned post.)
- Shake it up – Add everything to the shaker (except milk) and shake to incorporate all of the ingredients and dilute them slightly. Then, you can dump everything right into a tall glass, ice included!
- Top with milk – Adding milk on top of your coffee creates a pretty cascading effect.
FAQs
All you need to make a shaken espresso is a shaker cup, cocktail jigger, and a glass. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use any container with a tight lid. (Protein shakers and jars work just fine!)
This drink requires concentrated coffee flavor without a lot of volume, so iced coffee won’t work as well. Espresso is best here. No espresso-maker at home? No problem. I recommend grabbing a couple of shots of espresso from your local coffee shop. You can also use instant espresso powder. Mix 2 tsp instant espresso powder with 1 oz hot water to make a single espresso shot.
Peanut butter whiskey tastes great in dessert-inspired cocktails. Since it’s sweetened, I recommend swapping it in for other cordials. Try it instead of Bailey’s in an Irish coffee, Kahlua in an espresso martini, or other spirits in a boozy milkshake.
Recipe modifications
- Add flavor – Try drizzling peanut butter, caramel, or chocolate sauce in your glass.
- Less sweet version – If you prefer your cocktails on the dry side, use 1 oz of plain whiskey and 1½ oz peanut butter whiskey.
- More sweet version – If you prefer sweeter drinks, add ½-1 oz simple syrup or a flavored cinnamon syrup. (You can find my easy cinnamon syrup recipe in my apple cider old fashioned post.)
- Use a different type of flavored whiskey – Any sweetened, flavored whiskey will work in place of peanut butter whiskey. Try dessert-inspired flavors like chocolate, caramel, or pecan.
- Opt for other spirits – Instead of flavored whiskey, you can also try Irish cream, coffee liquor, or chocolate liquor. Instead of plain whiskey, you could also use vodka or spiced rum.
- Mocktail version – This drink is delicious without alcohol! You can make it (almost) exactly like Starbucks does by adding a shot of espresso and your favorite flavored syrup to a shaker cup with ice, shaking, pouring the mixture into a glass, and topping with your favorite milk.
- Use a different type of milk – Not a fan of oatmilk? You can also use dairy milk, half-and-half or coffee creamer (in a smaller quantity), extra creamy almond milk, or soy milk.
Oatmilk Shaken Espresso + Peanut Butter Whiskey (cocktail recipe)
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 cocktail jigger
Ingredients
- 1 oz espresso
- 2 oz peanut butter whiskey (I used Skrewball)
- ½ oz whiskey
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
- 1 cup ice
- 4 oz oatmilk (I recommend a barista blend)
Instructions
- Pour espresso, peanut butter whiskey, and whiskey into a shaker cup. Add a dash of cinnamon and a cup of ice to the shaker cup. Cover and shake vigorously until the cup is very cold to the touch.
- Pour all of the contents (including ice) directly into a tall glass. Top with oatmilk and add a straw. Stir and enjoy!
Notes
- Please note that nutrition facts are an estimate and can vary widely based on amounts and specific types used.
- No espresso maker? No problem.
- Grab a shot of espresso (or four) from a nearby coffee shop.
- Or… use instant espresso powder. I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly yummy. Mix 2 tsp instant espresso powder with 1 oz hot water to make a single espresso shot.
Nutrition
