How to Make the Perfect Shaken Espresso

The shaken espresso has definitely caused a stir in the coffee community, and with good reason. It’s actually an incredibly refreshing and wonderful coffee drink that you can definitely recreate in your own home. As opposed to making an iced latte, in which you must pour espresso over ice and then add your milk, making shaken espresso is definitely an entirely different process. The best part is that with this tutorial, you’ll be making shaken espresso in no time.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

We recommend that before you start making the coffee drinks, you are fully prepared. You won't need to set up like a professional coffee bar; just some basic supplies are enough.

Here's what you'll need:

• A cocktail shaker: This is ideal for use. If you don't have one, though, a large Mason jar and a lid that fits tightly will work fine as a substitute.
• Espresso—A fresh and steaming double shot (about 2 oz.) is the backbone of coffee.
• Ice: A supply of fresh ice cubes.
• Sweetener: For this, you'll need to taste. Brown sugar syrup is traditional, but maple syrup, simple syrup, or whatever sweetener you prefer is fine too.
• Milk: The one you like best—Cold milk OR milk substitute (Oat milk is also highly popular.)
• A Tall Glass: To hold your beverage after preparation.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso

The quality of your shaken espresso depends on the quality of your espresso shot. You will want to make sure that your espresso shot is fresh and hot and has been well extracted so that it has the oils and CO₂ that are critical to making that foam with shaken espresso.

Using hot espresso is also essential since it ensures that your sweetener is properly dissolved during the process that entails shaking it. A double shot is what is standard in achieving the right coffee taste that won't be overpowered by the addition of milk.

No Espresso Machine? No Problem.

If you do not have an espresso machine in your household, you can still make shaken espresso that tastes great. The idea is to extract a concentrated coffee that is strong. Here are some alternatives that are excellent:

• Moka Pot: The stovetop Moka pot produces an intense and full-bodied coffee that has almost equal strength to espresso.
• AeroPress: You can use this device to extract coffee to make “shots” that are perfect.
• Strong Drip Coffee or French Press Coffee: If these are your choices, no problem. You can make your coffee twice as strong as usual to guarantee that the coffee tastes robust enough.

Step 3: Prepare Your Shaker

This is a straightforward process, but one that is essential if you are to create the perfect shake. You want to include your ice and sweetener in the shaker before adding your espresso.

Next, fill your cocktail shaker or mason jar to about the halfway to two-thirds level with ice cubes. Next, add your sweetener on top of your ice. A good amount to start with is about two teaspoons of the sweetener, depending on how sweet you prefer your iced espresso. Having the ice and sweetener ready allows the hot espresso to begin melting the syrup and chilling down the moment it hits the shaker.

Step 4: Combine and Shake Vigorously

This is the most critical and also the most revolutionary step in the whole process. It is the manner in which you shake the drink that determines the texture and foam.

As soon as your espresso is made, pour the hot double shot right over the ice and sweetener that is in your shaker. Close the shaker tightly and start to shake it vigorously. You are mixing, but you are mixing with the intention of quickly cooling the espresso and introducing air into it. Shake the shaker for about 10-15 seconds until you feel it get ice-cold to the touch and see a beautiful, thick layer of foam form.

Step 5: Pour and Finish Your Drink

Once you've finished shaking, it's time to assemble your drink. The visual appeal is part of the experience.

Remove the lid from your shaker and strain the chilled, foamy espresso into your tall serving glass. You’ll notice the drink has two distinct layers: a dark, rich espresso at the bottom and a thick layer of light, airy foam on top. At this point, you can top it off with your cold milk of choice. For the best visual effect, pour the milk in slowly. This will allow it to settle underneath the foam, creating a beautiful layered look.

Step 6: Customize Your Shaken Espresso

Now that you've mastered the basic technique, the fun part is making it your own. The shaken espresso is a perfect canvas for all kinds of flavor combinations.

The Classic: Brown Sugar Oat Milk

This is the combination that made the drink famous at Starbucks. To make it at home, simply create a brown sugar simple syrup by dissolving equal parts brown sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Use this syrup as your sweetener and oat milk as your finish for a creamy, rich, and delicious treat.

Experiment with Sweeteners

Don't feel limited to brown sugar. This drink is fantastic with a variety of sweeteners. Try using:

• Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, robust flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee.
• Honey or Agave Nectar: For a different kind of natural sweetness.
• Flavored Syrups: Vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrups can easily turn your drink into a café-style specialty.

Add a Dash of Spice or Flavor

A small addition can make a big difference. Before you shake, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker for a warm, spiced version. A quarter teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can also add a wonderful layer of flavor and aroma to your finished drink.

Enjoying Your Perfect Shaken Espresso

Making the perfect shaken espresso at home is a simple, quick, and incredibly rewarding process. By following these steps—brewing a strong shot, shaking it vigorously with ice and sweetener, and finishing with your favorite milk—you can create a refreshing and beautifully textured coffee that rivals anything from a professional café. It's a fantastic way to elevate your daily coffee routine and enjoy a perfectly chilled, foamy drink anytime you want.