Shaken espresso recipe: a cool summer treat

Do you want a great summer alternative to regular espresso shots and iced espresso? If so, look no further than shaken espresso. It tastes of creamy milk and deep intense and energising espresso. But there is more to it than that. Shaken espresso is a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds!

What is an iced shaken espresso

Created by pouring hot espresso into a container with ice and then shaking it vigorously to chill quickly, a shaken espresso is the perfect summer energy booster.

The shaking process creates an iced coffee with a unique and creamy microfoam. With a flavor that combines both sweet and acidic notes from the coffee, along with a smooth and creamy finish.

Remember, before shaking to put the espresso and ice into a solid sealable container. Then shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds to get the desired texture.

What does shaken espresso take like?

Shaken espresso is a unique and intense coffee experience, with layers of rich complex flavors that are hard to achieve with other brewing methods.

Depending on the coffee beans you use, you can get flavors of brown sugar, caramel, chocolate and even citrus fruits.

Then there is that delicious crema. The crema created by the shaking motion gives a silky smooth texture which lingers on your tongue after you have finished tasting it.

Its bold flavor means that shaken iced espresso goes well with food. I like to drink it with cheese and crackers or even with a sweet dessert like apple pie. 

Best coffee beans for Shaken espresso

Many different types of coffee beans do a good job. But you want an beans that does a great job.

When I make shaken espresso, the first thing I think of is all the competing flavours. Then the sweet nutty milk and even more sweetness from the added sugar or flavored syrup.

So I immediately reach for a full-strength dark roast espresso. When I need robust, full-flavored, espresso beans my current favorites are:

• Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast. Yes, it does have incredibly high levels of caffeine (so drink it with caution) but it’s got all the flavor (with notes of cherry, caramel and chocolate) without bitterness. Plus it’s a blend of arabica and robusta beans, so you are gonna get plenty of rich creamy crema.
• Atomic Coffee Roasters – Cabot Street. OK, it is a light roast. But boy does this coffee hold a flavor punch. You will get notes of apricot and vanilla.
• Peet’s Coffee, Major Dickason’s Blend. It’s dark roast, but not as bitter as many coffees, plus it’s got amazing flavors and aromas that have tones of sweet earth, chocolate and exotic spices. Just too good to ignore. Major Dickason’s Blend has been around forever, but it’s as good as ever. Even better you can get it as beans, pre-ground and even decaf.

How to make a shaken espresso at home

You’ve probably heard friends tell you to go to this coffee shop or that for the best shaken espresso. But having tried most of the top “name” coffee shops, I can tell you, nothing beats controlling the process from start to finish.

Homemade is best and you can do it with my easy-to-follow recipe. Just read on.

Equipment

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Jar with a tight lid or cocktail shaker
• Glass
• Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso
• 1/2 cup of ice cubes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 tsp sugar (optional)

 Method

• Brew 2 shots of espresso, or 1/3 cup of strong coffee.
• Pour the espresso into the shaker/jar with a lid that seals (or a cocktail shaker).
• Optionally, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.
• Add 3-4 ice cubes and put the lid on firmly.
• Shake vigorously for 30-40 seconds. You are aiming to create a completely foamed coffee. It will actually look like the whole of the espresso has turned into a huge amount of crema.
• Pour the espresso and ice cubes into a large glass and add more ice cubes, then top up with more ice cubes. Stir to fully combine the ingredients.
• And there you have it, a perfect homemade shaken espresso!

Top tips for making Shaken espresso at home

• Gather all of the necessary ingredients and supplies – espresso beans, coffee grinder, cocktail shaker or a jar with a lid that seals, bar spoon, cold milk, simple syrup and ice cubes.
• For an extra flavor boost you can warm some syrup before adding it to the shaker – it will help it to mix easily with the espresso. Check out my Guide to flavored syrups for coffee. And don’t forget, simple syrup is super easy to make at home, just follow my homemade simple syrup recipe – and never pay shop prices again.
• Make sure you are using a safe jar or cocktail shaker. Don’t just reuse any old jar as it could break and cut you from all the ice being shaken around.
• I sometimes use a plastic beaker with a secure lid. It’s tough and can take the high-speed ice shaking around inside.
• Not sure which milk to use? If you prefer dairy, I would recommend 2%. It’s rich and creamy enough to stand its ground when added to two shots of espresso.
• If you don’t like or want to use dairy, there are plenty of great options. I enjoy using barista-grade oat milk. But I’ve made great shaken espressos with Almond, soy and other non-dairy milks.
• As with any skill, practice helps improve your technique. So don’t worry if it takes some trial and error. Once you have perfected a regular shaken espresso you’re ready to make some exciting variations.

Different types of Shaken espresso

Be sure to check out these great-tasting flavored shaken espressos:

• Brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso.
• Toasted brown sugar shaken espresso.
• Toasted vanilla shaken espresso.
• Pumpkin spice shaken espresso.
• Salted caramel shaken espresso.
• Gingerbread shaken espresso.

FAQs

What type of espresso shot is used for making shaken espresso?

You really can use whatever coffee you prefer. If you’ve got an espresso machine or coffee maker, then I recommend you use the best and freshest beans or grounds.

But, you know what? If all you have is instant coffee, then I say go for it. Instead of a shot of espresso, brew a really strong instant coffee. I’m talking about 4-5 spoons of coffee and only about 1/2 cup of hot water.

Simply follow the recipe and substitute your strong instant. If you make a shaken espresso with instant coffee, let me know how it works out. I would love to see your photos.

How do you properly shake a shot of espresso?

If you’ve ever watched a bartender make a cocktail they shake it all over – even over their head. Trust me, that will end badly. Especially if your jar lid flies off mid-shake. So make do with a simple but vigorous shake.

What types of equipment do I need to make shaken espresso?

However you make coffee, then that’s what you need, plus a jar with a tight lid or a cocktail shaker. The full list of items you’ll need are:

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Jar with a tight lid or cocktail shaker
• Glass
• Spoon

Does the kind of coffee beans used affect the taste of my shaken espresso?

YES! If you use a light roast or blonde roast coffee, it will give you a less bitter more flavorful shaken espresso. But I tend to go for a dark roast.

I love the deep dark flavors of burnt caramel, smoky chocolate and that strangely pleasant bitterness of a full-on espresso at its best.

Then I pair it with creamy oat milk and everything mellows just enough.