Iced Shaken Espresso: What Is It And Why Is It So Popular?

Once the weather begins heating up, it often feels like the only way to make it through the afternoon is with a cold beverage in hand. If you love coffee, there are various cold coffee options for you to match your unique personality. The iced shaken espresso is among the popular cold coffee options.

An iced shaken espresso is made by shaking espresso shots and syrup on ice to produce a full-bodied and airy cold espresso. The drink then gets poured over ice, and a splash of milk is added. Iced shaken espressos are popular because of their delicious taste, foamy texture, and easy preparation.

Although most coffee drinkers enjoy a cold brew on hot afternoons, this drink has a relatively high caffeine content. However, the iced shaken espresso has lower caffeine content making it a popular option. Now let’s learn more about this cool summertime treat and its history.

What is a Shaken Espresso?

Pouring cream into a glass of iced espresso

Espresso is coffee brewed by pushing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. This brewing method produces a shot of coffee with an intense flavor and aroma.

Many well-liked beverages begin with espresso, including lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.

A shaken espresso is made by shaking coffee beans with hot water to create a rich and foamy espresso shot.

Starbucks introduced its range of iced shaken espresso drinks as Spring promotional items. However, these beverages have grown in popularity because of their flavor.

Other reasons why shaken espressos are popular include:

  • Shaken espressos are customizable and easy to prepare.
  • You can make a shaken espresso at home.
  • This drink offers a light smoothness because of the aeration and chilling.
  • Shaken espressos feature delicious and lasting foam that is full of flavor.
  • Their caffeine content can give you a boost to power you through the day.
  • Shaken espressos are aesthetically appealing.

Did Starbucks Invent the Shaken Espresso?

No. The shaken espresso, or “shakerato,” has roots in Italy. It often features a single or double espresso shot, hand-shaken with ice, sugar, or syrup in a cocktail shaker.

Starbucks began offering iced coffees and teas shaken by hand in 2003. The hand-shaken method originates in mixology and is effective at blending ingredients and extracting their full taste.

In March 2021, Starbucks introduced a line of shaken espresso beverages, and Oatly oat milk became widely available in the United States. Starbucks iced shaken espressos have evolved into some of the most popular Starbucks oat milk beverages.

The milk added to the iced shaken espresso makes the drink foamier. Nevertheless, the combination of its sugary sweetness and stimulating caffeine makes this chilled drink a firm favorite.

How to Make a Shaken Espresso at Home

You can easily make a shaken espresso at home using simple kitchen equipment and ingredients. The main difference between shaken and stirred espresso is the foam produced.

You will need the following tools to make a shaken espresso at home:

Making a shaken espresso involves the following simple steps:

  1. Heat water on the stove. Use one cup or 8 ounces of water for each espresso shot
  1. Measure 2 tablespoons of coffee beans for each espresso shot as the water heats up
  1. Once the water is hot, pour it over the coffee beans in a large mason jar or shaker bottle
  1. Place a lid on the mug and shake it vigorously
  1. Pour the mixture through a strainer or coffee filter into another cup
  1. Enjoy your shaken espresso

Tips for Making the Best Home-Made Shaken Espresso

Here are some valuable tips for making the best shaken espresso:

  • First, use only recently roasted coffee beans for a fantastic flavor.
  • Then, shake the coffee beans and water must be shaken vigorously to improve the coffee’s aroma and taste.
  • Ensure to use filtered or distilled water. Using filtered water ensures that your espresso is free of any unwanted substances.
  • Filter the liquid before drinking it to eliminate any coffee grounds that may have made their way into your beverage.
  • It is best to serve the drink immediately or pour it into a serving pitcher, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to two hours.

Which Roast is Best for a Shaken Espresso?

Espresso and Coffee Beans

Dark-roasted coffee is the best for making shaken espresso. This is the best way to ensure the espresso has a full, robust flavor and the highest possible caffeine content.

You may use medium roast coffee, but its flavor won’t stand up as well. For optimal freshness and flavor, use coffee roasted within the past week.

What are the Most Popular Syrups to Add to a Shaken Espresso?

Starbucks uses a variety of syrups to enhance the flavor of its beverages. A few pumps of Starbucks syrup can transform any beverage, whether it’s an iced beverage, hot coffee, or tea.

If you like your coffee sweet, try some syrup. They have several delicious seasonal tastes, some of which are permanent fixtures and a few seasonal original concoctions, such as funnel cake syrup.

Below are some of the most popular syrups for shaken espressos.

  • Classic syrup
  • Caramel syrup
  • Raspberry syrup
  • Peppermint syrup
  • Hazelnut syrup
  • Vanilla syrup
  • Toffee nut syrup
  • Cinnamon dolce syrup
  • Brown sugar syrup

They also offer fruity syrups like mango and peach syrups.

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