Dunkin’ just did something huge. They didn't just drop a new drink; they basically handed us a cup of pop culture. It’s called Sabrina's Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, and honestly, it’s exactly what the "Short n' Sweet" era needed. If you’ve been living under a rock, Sabrina Carpenter’s song "Espresso" was the undisputed anthem of 2024. It was everywhere. TikTok, the radio, your head at 3 AM. So, when Dunkin' finally decided to lean into the meme and give the "Espresso Queen" her own actual espresso, people lost it.
But let’s be real. Celebrity collabs can be a total hit or a massive flop. Sometimes it’s just a regular drink with a famous name slapped on it to charge you an extra dollar.
Is this one different?
Basically, yeah. It marks the first time Dunkin’ has officially leaned into a "shaken" espresso format on a national scale, a move that clearly aims for the crown currently held by Starbucks' brown sugar version. It’s bold. It’s frothy. And it’s surprisingly good.
What’s Actually Inside a Sabrina Shaken Espresso Dunkin Order?
You’re probably wondering what makes this different from a standard iced latte. The "shaken" part isn't just marketing fluff—it actually changes the texture. When the baristas shake the espresso with ice and syrup before adding the milk, it creates this micro-foam. It’s aerated. It’s light. It feels way more premium than your average "pour and stir" coffee.
The build is pretty specific:
- Bold Espresso: Usually two shots for a small/medium, giving it that caffeine kick Sabrina sings about.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: This is where the magic happens. It’s got those deep, molasses-heavy notes.
- Oat Milk: This is the default. Dunkin' chose oat milk because it’s creamier and plays better with the brown sugar than regular dairy or almond milk.
- The Shake: Everything is hand-shaken in a dedicated shaker until it’s frothy.
If you’re watching your macros, a medium Sabrina Shaken Espresso Dunkin comes in at roughly 180 calories. Compare that to a Signature Latte which can easily soar past 400, and you’ve got a much "lighter" indulgence. It’s got about 15-18g of sugar depending on the size, which isn't nothing, but it’s manageable for a treat.
The "Shake That Ess" Campaign
We have to talk about the ads. Developed with Artists Equity—which is the studio founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon—the "Shake That Ess" campaign is peak Sabrina. It’s cheeky. It’s full of innuendo. The commercial features Sabrina at a launch party where everyone is, well, "shaking their ess." Even her grandmother makes an appearance.
It works because it doesn't take itself too seriously. Dunkin' knows they aren't a high-end boutique cafe. They’re the place you go when you’re "working late" and need to stay awake. By leaning into Sabrina’s self-deprecating humor, they’ve managed to capture Gen Z’s attention in a way a boring press release never could.
Is It Better Than the Starbucks Version?
This is the million-dollar question. Starbucks pioneered the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, and it’s a cult favorite.
Here is the vibe:
The Dunkin' version is slightly sweeter. It’s a bit more "approachable" if you aren't a hardcore espresso fan. While the Starbucks drink relies heavily on cinnamon, the Sabrina Shaken Espresso at Dunkin’ focuses more on the caramel-like depth of the brown sugar. Plus, let’s be honest—Dunkin’ is usually about 20-30% cheaper. Getting a "dupe" that actually tastes like the original (or better) while saving two bucks? That’s a win.
Customizing Your Drink Like a Pro
If you want to tweak the standard order, there are a few ways to level it up. A lot of fans are already experimenting.
- The "Cloud" Hack: Ask for a dollop of Sweet Cold Foam on top. It makes the drink look like the "Strawberry Daydream" Refresher (her other collab) but keeps the coffee flavor.
- Less Sweet: The medium comes with three pumps of syrup. If you actually like the taste of coffee, ask for two pumps. The espresso shines way more that way.
- The Cinnamon Twist: Since Dunkin's version doesn't come with cinnamon by default, ask for a sprinkle on top. It bridges the gap between the Dunkin' and Starbucks profiles perfectly.
Why This Collab Matters for Coffee Culture
It’s interesting to see how the "celebrity meal" has evolved. We saw it with the Charli D'Amelio drink (The Charli) and the Ice Spice Munchkins Drink. Those were basically just existing menu items renamed. But with the Sabrina Shaken Espresso Dunkin, the brand actually introduced new equipment (the shakers) and a new preparation method.
It shows that Dunkin’ is trying to move into the "handcrafted" space. They want to prove they can do more than just pour hot coffee into a styrofoam cup. By pairing this innovation with a star whose entire brand is built around a song called "Espresso," they hit the marketing jackpot.
The drink launched nationwide on December 31, 2024, as the centerpiece of their Winter 2025 menu. It was joined by things like the Lava Cake Latte, but let's be real—Sabrina was the main event.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Look, if you hate sweet coffee, this isn't for you. It’s a treat. It’s for the girlies who want to blast "Please Please Please" in the drive-thru and feel like they’re part of a moment.
But from a purely technical standpoint? It’s one of the best espresso drinks Dunkin’ has ever put out. The oat milk provides a silkiness that dairy just can't match, and the brown sugar isn't as cloying as the standard "swirls" they use. It’s a legitimate contender for your daily rotation.
Actionable Steps to Get the Best Experience:
- Check the App: Dunkin’ Rewards members often get these celebrity drinks for a discount. During the launch, it was $3 for a medium. Check your "Offers" tab before you pay full price.
- Go Early: Since this requires a manual shaker, if the store is slammed at 8:00 AM, the quality of the "froth" can vary. A mid-afternoon "pick-me-up" usually results in a better-shaken drink.
- Try the Merch: If you’re a superfan, keep an eye out for the limited-edition espresso shakers. They sold some for $12.99 so you can "shake your ess" at home with your own espresso.
- Mind the Oat Milk: Remember that Dunkin' usually charges an upcharge for oat milk in regular drinks, but in the Sabrina Shaken Espresso, it's included in the base price. Don't let them double-charge you!