A shaken espresso is a coffee drink made by shaking espresso, ice, and some kind of sweetener (plus any other flavorings you like) in a cocktail shaker. The mixture is then poured into a glass and topped with milk.
The shaken espresso is a popular drink, especially the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at Starbucks.
While it’s easy to grab one at your local coffee shop, it’s even easier (and cheaper!) to make at home. Plus, you can customize it to your exact liking. Need a dairy-free shaken espresso recipe? No problem. Want to experiment with different sweeteners or flavorings? Go for it! Here’s how to make your own shaken espresso.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Shaken Espresso
To make a shaken espresso, you’ll need just a few ingredients:
Espresso
The foundation of this drink is espresso. A double shot is ideal for the best flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Nespresso, Moka pot, French press, or Aeropress to brew a strong, concentrated coffee. You can even use pre-made espresso shots if you’re in a hurry.
Sweetener
You’ll want to add a touch of sweetness to balance the espresso. Brown sugar gives a delicious caramelized flavor. Simple syrup (vanilla, brown sugar, or any flavor you like) dissolves easily. Date syrup is another great option. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
Milk
Dairy or non-dairy milk works great. Cow’s milk, oat milk, almond milk, hemp milk—the choice is yours! Starbucks often uses oat milk in their shaken espressos.
Ice
Ice cools the espresso and creates that signature shaken texture. Crushed ice will give you a slightly slushier drink.
What you’ll need
Besides an espresso maker (or a Moka pot, Aeropress, or even instant espresso), you’ll want to have:
- A cocktail shaker or mason jar. This is how you’ll combine all the ingredients. A tight seal is a must to avoid spills.
- A glass. Clear glass is better for presentation.
- An optional milk frother. If you want a richer, thicker milk, a frother is a good idea.
How to make a shaken espresso
Here’s how to make a shaken espresso drink at home, step by step:
Brew the espresso
Brew a double shot of espresso using your favorite espresso maker.
Combine ingredients in the shaker
Add your sweetener of choice to the shaker. Pour the hot espresso over the sweetener to help it dissolve. Add the ice to the shaker.
Shake vigorously
Seal the shaker and shake hard for 10 to 20 seconds. Shaking the ingredients this way creates the drink’s signature frothy texture.
Assemble the drink
Strain the shaken espresso into a glass filled with ice. Top with your favorite milk or milk alternative. If you like, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or other toppings.
Customization and Variations
The basic shaken espresso recipe is a springboard for endless variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Syrup Variations
Experiment with different syrup flavors to create your perfect shaken espresso. Vanilla is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to try brown sugar, hazelnut, coconut, or any other flavored syrup that appeals to you. Each syrup will add a unique twist to the drink.
Milk Alternatives
The type of milk you use can also significantly impact the flavor and texture of your shaken espresso. Oat milk is a popular choice for its creamy texture, but almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are all delicious alternatives. Consider the flavor profile of each milk and how it complements the other ingredients.
Sweetness Levels
Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with a smaller amount of syrup and add more to taste. For a lower-sugar option, consider using sugar-free syrups.
Inspired Recipes
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Vanilla Shaken Espresso
- Mocha Shaken Espresso
Tips for the Best Shaken Espresso
Here are some things to consider to get the most out of your shaken espresso:
- Freshly brewed espresso is always best.
- Shake it hard. The point is to get a thick layer of delicious foam.
- Use as much or as little ice as you like.
- Try different kinds of milk and syrups to find your perfect combination.
Conclusion
Making a shaken espresso at home is easy and inexpensive. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a coffee-shop-style beverage without spending a lot of money.
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different kinds of milk, sweeteners, and toppings to find the shaken espresso that’s perfect for you.