You can easily recreate the popular Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso at home! Start by brewing 3 shots of espresso using a quality machine or stovetop moka pot. Then, combine the espresso with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shaker filled with 1.5 cups of ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to achieve a frothy texture. Pour the mixture over fresh ice and top with your preferred milk or milk alternative for a creamy, customized drink. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of barista-inspired technique, you'll be sipping on a refreshing, coffeehouse-worthy beverage in no time. Read on to discover more tips and variations.
History
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Although the iced shaken espresso, known as "shakerato" in Italy, has origins in the Italian coffee culture where espresso is traditionally served chilled and shaken to create a frothy texture, it was Starbucks that popularized this drink in the early 2020s. Responding to growing consumer demand for refreshing coffee beverages that maintain a strong espresso flavor, Starbucks introduced the iced shaken espresso, which quickly gained traction among coffee enthusiasts seeking alternatives to traditional iced lattes and cold brews. The introduction of flavored variations, like the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, further contributed to its popularity by appealing to diverse taste preferences, representing a fusion of classic espresso preparation and modern beverage trends for convenient home preparation. Additionally, the rise of cybersecurity vulnerabilities during major outages highlights the importance of robust systems even in the food and beverage industry.
Recipe
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Brewing your own Starbucks-inspired iced shaken espresso at home is a delightful way to enjoy a coffeehouse-quality drink in the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe captures the bold, frothy, and subtly sweet flavors that make the Starbucks version a popular choice.
To begin, you'll need to prepare the espresso base. Brew three shots of espresso, ensuring they're fresh and hot. In a separate container, combine two tablespoons of brown sugar syrup and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will provide the sweetness and warm spice notes that complement the espresso perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 3 shots of espresso
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1.5 cups of ice
- Milk of your choice (e.g., oat milk)
In a shaker or a tightly sealed jar, combine the hot espresso, brown sugar syrup, and ground cinnamon. Add approximately 1.5 cups of ice to the mixture. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to create a rich, frothy consistency.
Once the shaking is complete, you can choose to strain the mixture over fresh ice before pouring it into a tall glass. This step helps to achieve the optimal texture and temperature for your iced shaken espresso.
Finally, top your drink with the milk of your choice, such as oat milk, to enhance the creaminess and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different flavored syrups or milk alternatives to customize your iced shaken espresso to your personal taste preferences. The versatility of this recipe allows you to create a unique and satisfying coffeehouse-style drink in your own home.
Cooking Steps
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Begin by brewing 3 shots of espresso using your machine.
Once the espresso has cooled slightly, combine it with the brown sugar syrup and cinnamon in a shaker or mason jar.
Secure the lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds to create a frothy, well-blended drink.
Step 1. Brew Espresso Using Your Machine
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To brew espresso at home, start by ensuring your espresso machine is properly set up.
Whether you have a traditional espresso maker or a Nespresso machine, use high-quality light roast coffee beans and grind them finely.
Brew a double shot of espresso, about 2 fl oz (60 ml), which will be the base for your iced shaken espresso.
Let the espresso cool slightly before mixing it with other ingredients like brown sugar syrup and oat milk. This ensures a balanced drink without melting the ice too quickly.
If you don't have an espresso machine, a stovetop moka pot can also create an espresso-like coffee, making it a budget-friendly alternative.
Step 2. Combine Espresso and Ice in Shaker
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Once you've brewed your 3 shots of espresso, about 6 fl oz (180 ml), it's time to combine them with the other ingredients in a shaker.
In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add the espresso, 2 tablespoons of homemade brown sugar syrup, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Then, load up the shaker with about 1.5 cups of ice, making sure there's enough to chill and froth the espresso mixture.
Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, creating a delightfully frothy and well-mixed coffee base.
Pour the shaken espresso into a tall glass, optionally straining over fresh ice, and top it off with your preferred milk to complete the iced shaken espresso drink.
Step 3. Shake Vigorously for 10 Seconds
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Next, you'll want to shake the espresso mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Grab your trusty cocktail shaker or mason jar, and fill it with about 1.5 cups of ice. Carefully pour in the chilled espresso mixture, made from the previous step.
Make sure the lid is on tight to prevent any spills. Then, shake the concoction vigorously for 10 seconds.
This rapid shaking will help incorporate the brown sugar syrup and cinnamon, while also whipping up a frothy texture just like the Starbucks iced shaken espresso.
Finally, pour the chilled, frothy espresso into a tall glass, optionally straining it over fresh ice for a smoother presentation.
Step 4. Pour Into Glass
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After shaking the espresso mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds, carefully remove the lid from the shaker to avoid spills.
Pour the shaken espresso into a tall glass, optionally straining it over fresh ice for a smoother, creamier finish.
If desired, leave some space at the top to add your choice of milk.
Top the drink with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or any other preferred garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
Serve the frothy, refreshing iced shaken espresso immediately to enjoy it at its best.
Step 5. Add Cold Milk/Milk Alternative
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To finish your iced shaken espresso, add your preferred milk or milk alternative.
For a creamy oat milk texture, be sure to froth the milk before adding it.
Top your drink with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cold milk or milk alternative, depending on your desired creaminess and flavor intensity.
The cold milk or milk alternative helps balance the strong espresso and syrup flavors, resulting in a well-rounded taste.
Experiment with flavored milk alternatives, like vanilla or chocolate almond milk, for a unique twist on this Starbucks copycat recipe.
The key is finding the right milk or milk alternative to complement your iced shaken espresso.
Final Thoughts
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Though the Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso may seem like an indulgent treat, you can easily recreate this coffeehouse classic at home with a few simple ingredients and techniques.
By using high-quality espresso, homemade brown sugar syrup, and creamy oat milk, you can craft an iced shaken espresso drink with a frothy texture and customizable sweetness.
Shaking the espresso with ice ensures a well-mixed, chilled drink with a delightful froth on top.
Experiment with different flavored syrups and milk alternatives to create a personalized version tailored to your taste preferences.
With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy this sweet and creamy Starbucks copycat recipe anytime right from your own kitchen. You only need a few simple ingredients and a good blender to make this delicious java chip frappuccino recipe. It’s the perfect treat for a hot summer day or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adjusting the sweetness or adding extra chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Starbucks Shaken Espresso Have in It?
A Starbucks Shaken Espresso contains 3 shots of bold espresso, 2 tablespoons of sweet brown sugar syrup, and a sprinkle of aromatic ground cinnamon.
The drink is then topped with creamy milk of your choice, like oat milk, and served over plenty of ice to create a refreshing and flavorful iced coffee experience.
The combination of the robust espresso, sweetness, and spice makes this Starbucks classic truly delightful.
How Many Pumps of Syrup Are in an Iced Shaken Espresso?
Starbucks typically uses 3 pumps of syrup for a grande-sized Iced Shaken Espresso.
However, you can customize the sweetness by asking for more or fewer pumps. Each pump is about 0.5 ounces, so 2 tablespoons of homemade brown sugar syrup is equivalent to 4 pumps.
You can also experiment with different flavored syrups to create your perfect Iced Shaken Espresso.
What Is the Difference Between an Iced Latte and an Iced Shaken Espresso?
The main difference between an iced latte and an iced shaken espresso is the preparation method.
An iced latte is made by pouring espresso over ice and then adding milk, while an iced shaken espresso is created by shaking espresso with ice and sweeteners.
This results in a smoother, frothier texture for the shaken espresso. The shaken espresso also has a stronger coffee flavor since it's made with just espresso, while the latte dilutes the espresso with a larger amount of milk.
How Many Shots of Espresso Are in an Iced Shaken Espresso?
An iced shaken espresso typically contains three shots of espresso, which gives it a robust coffee flavor.
Each shot of espresso is around 1 ounce, so the total espresso in the drink is about 3 ounces.
This amount of espresso provides around 120mg of caffeine, making it a strong choice for coffee lovers.
If you prefer a lighter caffeine option, you can use decaf espresso instead.
Conclusion
You've learned how to make your own Starbucks-style iced shaken espresso at home! Now you can enjoy this tasty beverage anytime, and it's way cheaper than buying it from the coffee shop. Plus, you can customize it exactly how you like it. Give it a try – you'll be sipping on a delicious, refreshing iced espresso in no time!