Brandon Mueller

As younger consumers continue to gravitate toward cold coffee creations, PJ’s Coffee chain has found success with its Shaken Coffee collection. The indulgent drinks are go-to foot-traffic drivers for the brand’s seasonal limited-time offerings, whether it’s a King Cake Cold-Brew Shaken Espresso for Mardi Gras or a Birthday Cake Shaken Espresso to celebrate the concept’s 45th anniversary. More recently, a Honey Brûlée Shaken Espresso drink offered up sweet, velvety-smooth flavors. “It stands out as a patron favorite, captivating coffee enthusiasts with its irresistible charm and unparalleled flavor profile,” says Brandon Mueller, PJ’s senior digital marketing specialist, who created this drink.

The drink starts with honey-macadamia cold-brew concentrate, which is shaken over ice before it’s flavored with caramel crème syrup and a creamy, sweet cold foam. To simulate the texture of a true torched crème brûlée, a garnish of turbinado sugar delivers the sweet crunch. And the flavor combination isn’t limited to the Shaken Espresso line. It also pulls double duty in the limited-time Honey Brûlée Velvet Ice, a blended frozen beverage option.

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