What’s an Iced Shaken Espresso?
Imagine a sunny day when you need a refreshing drink that wakes you up. That’s where an Iced Shaken Espresso recipe comes in! It’s like a superhero version of your regular coffee. You shake espresso with ice to make it super cold and frothy, then pour it over more ice and add some milk and sweetener if you like. This drink is not only delicious but also super simple to make at home.
All you need is a good iced shaken espresso recipe, and you can be your own barista! It’s a cool twist on a hot espresso!
Shaken Espresso vs. Iced Latte
The Shaking Magic – A shaken espresso truly stands out because of one simple action: shaking. Imagine putting espresso shots into a cocktail shaker with ice, giving it a vigorous shake, and then pouring it into a glass. This not only chills the coffee but also adds air into the mix, creating a delightful, frothy layer on top. It’s similar to the fizz on top of a soda, adding a light, airy texture to your drink.
Milk and Espresso, Simply Combined – On the other hand, an iced latte is a more straightforward drink. It usually starts with a shot of espresso, and then cold milk is poured over it. Finally, the mixture is topped off with ice. There’s no shaking involved, so the drink is smooth and creamy from top to bottom. The focus here is on the blend of milk and coffee flavors rather than the texture.
Texture and Taste – Because of the shaking step, a shaken espresso often has a more robust and invigorating flavor. The ice and the shaking method cool down the espresso quickly, which can make the coffee taste smoother and sometimes even a bit sweeter. In contrast, the iced latte has a more consistent milkiness throughout, which can soften the boldness of the espresso.
Customizing Your Drink – Both drinks are customizable. With a shaken espresso, you can add flavors like vanilla or caramel before shaking to infuse the drink with extra sweetness. An iced latte also pairs well with flavored syrups, and you can adjust the amount of milk to your liking, making it as rich or as light as you want.
Choosing Your Coffee Adventure – So, are you in the mood for a textured, frothy experience or a silky smooth coffee treat? Whether you choose the lively shaken espresso or the comforting iced latte, each has its own unique charm that can satisfy different coffee cravings. Next time you’re at your favorite coffee spot, why not try both and decide which one you prefer?

Essential Equipment for Your Chilled Coffee
Before diving into the creation of your refreshing caffeinated beverage, let’s talk about the gadgets you’ll require. Owning an espresso maker is a big plus—it’s the ideal tool for brewing a strong coffee base. But, don’t worry if you don’t have one on hand. A stovetop espresso maker, often known as a Moka pot, is a fantastic alternative for achieving that rich espresso flavor.
Next, you’ll need something to mix and chill your drink. A shaker is typically used for this—yes, the same kind you might use for whipping up frothy milkshakes. It’s perfect for combining all the ingredients vigorously. However, if a shaker isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, you can get creative. A simple jar with a tight-fitting lid can serve as an impromptu shaker. Just make sure it’s sealed properly before you start shaking to avoid any spills!
Lastly, don’t forget the basics: measuring spoons. These are crucial for adding the right amount of each ingredient and ensuring your drink tastes just right every time. And of course, you’ll need a cup or glass to pour your chilled creation into. Choose one that will show off your handiwork and keep your drink nice and cool.
With these tools in hand, you’re all set to start crafting your delightful chilled coffee beverage. So, gather up your equipment, and let’s get to the fun part—mixing it all together!
What Goes In It?
- Espresso – That’s the coffee part!
The heart of this chilly beverage is espresso, a concentrated coffee that’s both rich and robust. To make it, hot water is pushed through finely-ground coffee beans. This process doesn’t just brew the coffee, it also extracts deep flavors and that signature kick of caffeine. Whether you’re using a fancy espresso machine or a simple stovetop maker, what you want is a shot of espresso that’s smooth, not bitter. - Sweetener – Like sugar or honey to make it yummy.
Next up, we’ve got sweeteners. They’re here to balance the strong taste of espresso and to cater to your sweet tooth! You can go classic with white sugar, or you can try honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake. Remember, the amount you add is totally up to you – so taste as you go and find your perfect sweet spot. - Flavoring – If you want it to taste like vanilla or chocolate.
To add a special twist, consider flavorings. Vanilla and chocolate syrups are popular picks that blend wonderfully with coffee. But don’t stop there! You can explore other flavors like caramel, hazelnut, or peppermint. Just a splash can transform your drink into a delightful treat that’s unique to your palate. - Ice cubes – To shake and to put in your cup.
Of course, we can’t forget the ice cubes. They’re essential for that refreshing coolness. Use them in a cocktail shaker to give your espresso a quick, invigorating shake. This not only chills the drink but also adds a frothy texture. After shaking, pop some fresh ice cubes into your glass to keep your beverage cold and enjoyable to the last sip. - Milk – Any kind you like, even oat milk or almond milk!
Lastly, milk brings it all together. You can use dairy milk for its creamy richness or opt for plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk for a different flavor and lighter feel. The milk’s silkiness complements the intense espresso and melds beautifully with your chosen sweeteners and flavorings, creating a smooth, delightful concoction.

Why Use Big Ice Cubes?
Big ice cubes are the superheroes of the freezer world. Their superpower is melting at a snail’s pace, which means they keep your drink cold without turning it into a watered-down disappointment. This is especially great when you’re sipping on a fancy cocktail or a fancy glass of soda and you want the flavor to last.
When you use smaller ice cubes, they have a larger surface area in total compared to their volume. This is like having more mini doors for the heat to enter, which makes them melt faster. But the big ice cubes? They have fewer “doors” for the heat, so they stand strong against the warmth of your drink much longer.
You can easily join the big ice cube club. All you need are special trays designed to make these icy behemoths. These trays are like cozy beds where water goes to freeze into big cubes. You can find them in most kitchen stores or online. Once you’ve got your tray, fill it with water and let your freezer do the rest. After a few hours, you’ll have the perfect big ice cubes for your drinks.
And here’s a fun tip: you can jazz up your big ice cubes by adding mint leaves, fruit slices, or edible flowers before freezing. Not only do they look impressive, but they also add a hint of flavor to your drink as they melt—very slowly, of course.
Making Cold Foam for iced shaken espresso recipe
Cold foam is a delightful topping for various beverages, giving them a creamy, luxurious finish. Imagine a light and airy cloud floating right on top of your favorite drink—that’s what cold foam adds to the experience. It’s not just for coffee; you can enjoy it on iced teas or fruit drinks too. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
To create this frothy goodness, you’ll need a milk frother, which is a tool that spins milk rapidly to introduce air and create foam. If you don’t have a frother, don’t worry! A tight-seal jar or even just a whisk and a bit of elbow grease can do the trick. Pour some non-fat or low-fat milk into the jar or a bowl—these types of milk froth the best. Then, if you’re using a jar, seal it tightly and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds. If you’re whisking by hand, whisk as fast as you can until the milk becomes light and frothy. This process might take a bit longer, but consider it a fun mini workout for your arms!
Once your milk has transformed into a soft, cloud-like foam, it’s ready to be spooned on top of your drink. Gently lay the foam over your beverage and watch as it creates a smooth, creamy layer. For an added touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for a decorative and flavorful finish. Not only does the cold foam enhance the visual appeal of your drink, but it also adds a delightful texture contrast that elevates the entire drinking experience.
Remember, the key to perfect cold foam is in the consistency—it should be thick enough to hold its shape, yet light enough to sit on top of your drink without sinking. With a little practice, you’ll be making barista-level cold foam in no time. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with different milks and flavors to find your perfect combination.

Let’s Make Some!
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
To kick things off, you’ll need to brew a strong shot of espresso. As it’s brewing, add a spoonful of brown sugar to the cup, letting the heat dissolve the sugar into a sweet syrup. Once your espresso is ready, pour it into a shaker filled with ice. Shake it vigorously—this not only chills the drink but also adds a little froth. Now, grab a clean glass and fill it with fresh ice before straining the espresso into it. The final touch is a generous pour of creamy oat milk, frothed if you like it extra smooth. And for a bit of spice, a dash of cinnamon on top does the trick. This drink is not just a caffeine kick, it’s a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
Begin with your espresso shot—make it as strong as you like. While it’s still hot, stir in some rich chocolate syrup, blending it well. Next, take a shaker and fill it with ice, then pour in your chocolatey espresso. Give it a good shake; you want to hear the ice dancing around. This cools the espresso and infuses it with a smooth texture. Take a clean glass, pile it high with fresh ice, and pour your shaken mixture over. To top it off, froth some almond milk with a touch more chocolate syrup and layer it on. It’s essentially a chocolate celebration in a cup, perfect for those who love a sweet twist on their coffee.
Iced Honey Vanilla Shaken Espresso
For this delightful concoction, start by brewing a shot of espresso. To infuse it with sweetness, mix in natural honey and a splash of vanilla extract while the espresso is hot, allowing the flavors to meld. Once that’s done, fill a shaker with ice and pour in your flavored espresso. Seal it up and shake until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold. Now, take a fresh glass, add new ice, and pour your shaken espresso over it. Crown your masterpiece with a layer of frothy milk—any kind will do, though whole milk makes it extra creamy. This beverage is a sweet, velvety dream, like a dessert in a cup that you can sip!
Other Yummy Variations
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can try all sorts of flavors! How about a classic with just espresso, ice, and milk? Or maybe a pumpkin spice version for a fall vibe? You can even make a toasted vanilla one that tastes like cookies!