Dunkin’ introduced the Tiramisu Shakin’ Espresso as part of its fall menu, featuring a tiramisu swirl and oatmilk, with the launch confirmed for August 19, 2026. This homemade interpretation aims to get close to the original using accessible ingredients and real technique, but is not the brand’s exact proprietary recipe.
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What makes Dunkin’s Tiramisu Shakin’ Espresso special
This drink stands out for its layered tiramisu profile: a double shot of espresso, tiramisu swirl syrup, and oatmilk, shaken with ice until frothy. The signature is the tiramisu swirl, which mimics the classic dessert with flavors of cocoa, mascarpone, and a gentle sweetness. In a copycat, using a high-quality tiramisu syrup (or a custom blend with cocoa and mascarpone flavor) is key to recreating the dessert-like complexity. Oatmilk is essential for its creaminess and subtle sweetness, which traditional dairy doesn’t replicate as closely.
Ingredients
- 2 shots (about 2 oz) espresso
- 3 pumps (about 1.5 tbsp) tiramisu syrup or swirl — Buy on Amazon
- 3/4 cup oat milk
- 1 cup ice
- pinch cocoa powder (for dusting, optional)
Tools you’ll need
- Cocktail shaker or a large jar with tight lid (for vigorous shaking)
- Espresso machine or stovetop moka pot
- Measuring spoons
- 16 oz glass (preferably chilled)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra frothiness)
How to make it
- Brew the espresso: Pull two shots (about 2 oz) of espresso using your machine or moka pot. Freshly brewed espresso is essential for aroma and a robust base that stands up to the sweet swirl and milk.
- Combine in shaker: Pour the hot espresso into your cocktail shaker. Add 3 pumps (about 1.5 tbsp) of tiramisu syrup and 1 cup of ice. The ice rapidly chills the espresso and helps create aeration during shaking.
- Shake vigorously: Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15–20 seconds. Shaking is crucial—it chills the drink, dissolves the syrup evenly, and incorporates air, producing the signature frothy, creamy texture. Insufficient shaking leads to a flat and less satisfying drink.
- Strain over fresh ice: Open the shaker and strain into a chilled 16 oz glass filled with fresh ice. Straining removes any excess foam or shards of ice, keeping the final drink smooth.
- Add oatmilk: Pour in 3/4 cup of oat milk (maintaining the 1 part espresso to 1.5 parts oat milk ratio). Stir gently to blend without breaking up the froth layer—this balances richness with the bold espresso.
- Finish and serve: Optionally, dust with a pinch of cocoa powder for aroma and a true tiramisu touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of cold, creamy, and coffee-forward notes.
For best results, chill your glass ahead of time and always use oatmilk (not dairy), as it’s key to matching Dunkin’s signature creaminess and subtle nuttiness.
How close is it to the original?
A home version can get surprisingly close, especially if you use a well-formulated tiramisu syrup and shake thoroughly. The main difference comes down to the tiramisu swirl syrup itself—Dunkin’s proprietary blend has a precise sweetness, mascarpone note, and cocoa balance that’s hard to replicate exactly. Most reviewers describe the drink as creamy, dessert-like, and with a balanced coffee kick, noting it comes very close to actual tiramisu and stands out among seasonal drinks. If your syrup is thin or lacks complexity, the drink may taste more generically sweet or miss the mascarpone nuance.
Troubleshooting
- Drink not frothy: Not shaking vigorously enough can prevent aeration—use plenty of ice and shake for a full 15–20 seconds.
- Flat or dull flavor: Using low-quality or generic coffee syrup instead of tiramisu syrup (or skipping mascarpone/cocoa notes) results in a less authentic taste. Blend coffee syrup with a little cocoa and mascarpone flavoring for a closer match.
- Drink tastes thin: Using dairy or almond milk instead of oatmilk reduces creaminess. Stick with oatmilk for the signature body and subtle sweetness.
- Too sweet or too mild: Adjust the number of syrup pumps. Start with 3 pumps (1.5 tbsp), then tailor to taste, since syrups vary in sweetness.
Variations
- Homemade tiramisu syrup: If unavailable, combine 1 tbsp coffee syrup, 1/4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and a drop of mascarpone or cream cheese flavoring. This mimics the dessert’s layers.
- Non-dairy alternatives: Soy or barista almond milk can be used, but will change the flavor and texture—oatmilk is recommended for closest results.
- Extra boost: Add a dash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth and depth.
Storage
This drink is best made fresh. If needed, the espresso and syrup can be combined and refrigerated for up to a day; shake with ice and oatmilk just before serving for best texture.
FAQ
- How to make a Dunkin Shaken espresso at home? Brew espresso, shake with your chosen syrup and ice, then combine with milk of choice. See detailed steps above for ratios and technique.
- How to make espresso mixture for tiramisu? Brew strong espresso and sweeten as desired. For tiramisu-flavored drinks, add tiramisu or coffee syrup and a hint of cocoa.
- What are the ingredients in the brown sugar shaken espresso at Dunkin’? Brown sugar shaken espresso includes espresso, brown sugar syrup, oatmilk, and ice—similar technique, but different syrup.
- How to make tiramisu flavored coffee? Use tiramisu syrup or a blend of coffee syrup, cocoa, and mascarpone flavors in your coffee or espresso drinks.
- Is Dunkin’ getting rid of shaken espresso? No, shaken espresso drinks remain on the menu, but the Tiramisu Shakin’ Espresso is a limited-time seasonal offering as of August 2026.
- How much caffeine does a shaken espresso have from Dunkin’? Exact caffeine numbers are not published for the tiramisu version, but a double shot of espresso typically ranges 120–150 mg.
- How many grams of sugar are in Dunkin Shaken espresso? The Tiramisu Shakin’ Espresso is estimated at 22 g of sugar per 16 oz serving, per available nutrition data.
Sources
- Official Dunkin’ announcement for Fall 2026 menu
- Dispatch coverage of Dunkin’s 2026 menu launch
- Nutrition data for Dunkin’ shaken espresso drinks
Try more copycat drinks or explore dessert-inspired coffees for home baristas.
Ingredients
2 shots (about 2 oz) espresso
3 pumps (about 1.5 tbsp) tiramisu syrup or swirl
3/4 cup oat milk
1 cup ice
pinch cocoa powder (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Brew two shots of espresso and pour them into a cocktail shaker.
Add tiramisu syrup and fill the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with oat milk and stir gently to combine.
Dust with a pinch of cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately.
