Lightly frothy, perfectly chilled, and smooth on the palate, shaken espresso has become a go-to option for coffee drinkers who want bold flavor with a refreshing twist. In this guide, we’ll take a look at what makes shaken espresso so great and how you can make it at home.
What is a shaken espresso?
A shaken espresso is a cold, strong coffee drink made by combining freshly brewed espresso with ice, sometimes a little simple syrup, then shaking it vigorously in a cocktail shaker or lidded jar. The shaking process chills the coffee quickly and creates a light foam that sits on top of the drink, giving it a smooth, slightly frothy texture.
American shaken espressos are inspired by the Italian caffè shakerato, a popular summertime drink served in cafés across Italy. Traditionally, a shakerato is made with just espresso, ice, and sugar, then shaken until frothy and served in a chilled glass, almost like a cocktail. The modern shaken espresso follows the same principle but allows for more variation, like flavored syrups or a splash of cold milk for creaminess.
Why shake the espresso?
What sets a shaken espresso apart from simply pouring espresso over ice is the transformation that happens during the shake. Shaking espresso changes the drink in ways you can taste and feel.
When espresso is shaken with ice, three things happen at once:
- Rapid chilling: Hot espresso poured directly over ice can melt it too quickly, leaving the drink watery. Shaking chills the espresso evenly without excessive dilution.
- Aeration: The vigorous movement incorporates tiny bubbles of air, creating a light, frothy foam on top. This texture makes the drink smoother and more pleasant to sip.
- Flavor balance: Espresso’s bold, concentrated flavor can sometimes feel intense on its own. The slight dilution from the ice, combined with the aeration, rounds out its bitterness and highlights its natural sweetness.
The result is a drink that feels more polished than standard cold brew or iced coffee: lighter, silkier, and well-balanced. It’s this combination of texture and flavor refinement that has made shaken espresso popular not only in Italy but also in specialty coffee shops around the world.
How to make a shaken espresso
One of the best things about shaken espresso is how simple it is to make at home. With just a few ingredients and some basic equipment, you can create a drink that tastes like it came from your favorite coffee shop.
Ingredients
- Espresso: Two shots of freshly brewed espresso. Use high-quality beans for the best flavor.
- Ice: Enough to fill your shaker halfway. Large cubes work best, as they melt more slowly.
- Sweetener (optional): A splash of simple syrup, honey, or flavored syrup. Because espresso doesn’t dissolve granulated sugar well once it’s cold, liquid sweeteners are the easiest option.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: A stainless steel shaker works best, but a mason jar with a tight lid is a good alternative.
- Strainer: Built-in for most cocktail shakers; otherwise, a small kitchen strainer will do.
- Glass: A tall glass filled with fresh ice for serving.
Steps
- Brew your espresso: Pull two fresh shots and let them cool slightly for 30-60 seconds. This helps prevent the ice from melting too quickly.
- Prepare your shaker: Fill it about halfway with ice.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the espresso over the ice, then add sweetener and/or milk if desired.
- Shake vigorously: Seal the shaker and shake for 15-30 seconds until the outside feels chilled and frosty. This is what creates the foam and smooth texture.
- Strain and serve: Pour the shaken espresso into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Tips for the perfect shaken espresso
Follow these tips to refine your shaken espresso.
Use freshly brewed espresso.
Great shaken espresso starts with great beans. Because the drink is so simple, the flavor of the coffee really shines through. Using high-quality, freshly roasted beans ensures your espresso has depth, balance, and natural sweetness that will carry into the finished drink. Always brew your shots fresh before shaking to capture those complex notes at their peak.
Our single-origin coffees and our blends are crafted to highlight nuanced flavors that make a shaken espresso taste vibrant rather than bitter or flat.
For shaken espresso, we recommend starting with:
- Play Nice, this is one of our most popular blends, appreciated for its versatility and balanced flavor.
- Costa Rica, La Pastora, a single-origin staple with a juicy, complex flavor profile and satisfying nutty finish.
Choose quality ice.
It’s no secret that water quality is incredibly influential when making coffee—and that includes ice as well! Since ice gradually melts into the drink, poor-quality water can dull or add unwanted flavors, while clean, filtered water ensures the espresso’s taste stays crisp and balanced.
Ice also affects texture and dilution. Large, clear cubes melt more slowly, keeping your espresso cold without watering it down too quickly.
Sweeten with care.
If you like your coffee sweet, you can add in liquid sweeteners like simple syrup, or healthier alternatives like honey or agave; liquid sweeteners dissolve more easily in cold espresso, so you can enjoy the beverage quicker.
Alternatively, you can add granulated sugar—just add this to the hot espresso before pouring it over ice.
Shake well.
The frothy texture is what makes shaken espresso special. Don’t be shy! Shake vigorously for a few seconds until the shaker feels icy on the outside. Shaking creates the aeration that softens the espresso’s bitterness and creates the signature foam.
Experiment with flavors.
Shaken espresso is versatile, so try experimenting with flavorful add-ins. A dash of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla extract, or even a strip of citrus peel can transform the drink into something unique.
Learn about the flavors that work best with coffee →
Creative shaken espresso variations to try
Want to add a little more flavor to this refreshing classic? Here are a few creative variations to try (and enjoy).
Shaken brown sugar oat milk espresso
This popular variation combines caramel-like sweetness with creamy oat milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar syrup
- Ice
- ¼-½ cup oat milk
Shake the espresso, syrup, and ice for 15–30 seconds. Strain into a glass with fresh ice, then top with oat milk.
Spiced shaken espresso
Warm spices transform shaken espresso into a cozy, aromatic drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- ½–1 teaspoon simple syrup (or to taste)
- Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom
- Ice
Shake espresso, syrup, spices, and ice together until frothy, then strain over fresh ice.
Mocha shaken espresso
A frothy, chocolatey twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
- Ice
- Optional: a splash of milk or alternative milk
Shake espresso, chocolate syrup, and ice until chilled and foamy. Strain into a glass with fresh ice, then add a splash of milk if desired.
Citrus shaken espresso
Bright and refreshing with a subtle zestiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- ½–1 teaspoon simple syrup (optional)
- 1 strip lemon or orange peel
- Ice
Add espresso, syrup, citrus peel, and ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously, then strain over fresh ice.
Shake up your coffee routine
Shaken espresso proves that a small change in preparation can completely transform how coffee tastes and feels. By shaking espresso with ice, you unlock a smoother, brighter, and more refreshing version of a familiar favorite.
To make the most of it, start with high-quality beans. Grab a bag of our single-origin coffee or one of our signature blends and discover the Methodical difference.
Browse all Methodical Coffee today →
You might also like:
- The Perfect At-Home Espresso Tonic Recipe (With Variations)
- How to Enjoy Espresso: The Complete Guide to Drinking Espresso for Beginners
- What is Cold Brew Coffee? And How Do You Make It?
