Shaken espresso has been the new and popular beverage making all the rounds. You can find it at Starbucks and at a few independent coffee shops.
But what is a shaken espresso? Shaken espresso was invented in Italy where it is known as the “shakerato.” It is made of a single or double shot of espresso with ice and sugar or syrup, all hand-shaken in a cocktail shaker.
Starbucks didn’t come up first with making shaken espressos. The US coffee giant only launched its shaken espresso line in March 2021. A Starbucks shaken espresso is made of Blonde or Signature espresso, hand-shaken with ice, optional flavors, and topped with milk.
In this article, we will cover why this iced espresso drink is popular and what makes it so special. Before we do that, let’s learn a bit more about its origins.
History of Shaken Espresso at Starbucks
Shaken espresso originally came from Italy and is known as “shakerato.” Made of a single or double shot of espresso hand-shaken with ice and some sugar or syrup all shaken up in a cocktail shaker.
Starbucks introduced hand-shaken iced coffees and teas in 2003. The hand-shaken technique was inspired by mixology and it helps to blend the ingredients and gets the best flavors out of the drink.
The US Coffee Giant launched its shaken espresso line in March 2021. This was the same time when they rolled out Oatly oatmilk across the US stores. Iced Shaken Espressos with oatmilk are some of the most popular Starbucks Oat Milk Drinks.
Starbucks’ version of “shakerato” includes an additional ingredient, vegan milk: either oatmilk or almondmilk. Milk provides extra frothiness to the beverage. And we love this chilled drink because it’s sweet, caffeinated, and simply amazing.
Recently Starbucks rounded out its lineup of dairy-free Shaken Espresso drinks with the debut of the brand new Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso as part of the spring 2022 menu update.
SEE ALSO: National Coffee Day 2022: 10 Ways to Celebrate & Get Free Coffee!
Starbucks Shaken Espresso Drinks
Starbucks has four iced shaken espresso drinks on the official menu, and we expect more to come in the future.
- Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: Blonde Espresso, toasted vanilla syrup, ice, oatmilk.
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: Blonde Espresso, brown sugar syrup, cinnamon, ice, oatmilk.
- Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso: Blonde Espresso, chocolate malt powder, ice, almondmilk.
- Iced Shaken Espresso: Signature Espresso, classic syrup, ice, milk.
Why Is Shaken Espresso So Popular?
If you have ever wondered what makes shaken espressos so popular and you have already tasted it, then the answer is an easy one. It’s very delicious.
There is more to it than the great taste, however. Shaken coffee is popular for several reasons, and it’s not a quick fad that will fade with time:
- Starbucks is shaking things up with the Iced Shaken Espresso line that combines two growing trends: cold coffee and oatmilk.
- The drink is customizable and is easy to make even at home.
- You will experience light smoothness due to the aeration and chilling in the shaker that makes this drink incredibly refreshing.
- A delicious and long-lasting froth that is infused with flavor.
- Shaken espresso has plenty of caffeine to power you through the day.
- Shaking adds an extra dimension and some visual flair behind the counter and the soothing sound of swooshing ice.
Difference Between Shaken Espresso and Latte
An iced shaken espresso contains one additional espresso shot and less milk than an iced latte and has more caffeine and a stronger flavor. The iced shaken espresso is served with a touch of milk while the iced latte is a milk-forward drink.
Difference Between Espresso and Shaken Espresso
The main difference is that a regular espresso is much smaller than a shaken espresso which also packs milk, optional syrup, and ice.
A Starbucks double espresso with two shots of coffee is served in a 1.5 oz cup. A tall Starbucks iced shaken espresso has the same amount of espresso in a 12 oz drink. This makes the shaken espresso eight times bigger than a double espresso due to the additional milk, ice, and flavors.
Starbucks is well known for its flexible beverage policy, and you have complete control over your drink. Thus it’s easy to customize your beverage with your preferred espresso, syrup, milk, and more.
Shaken Espresso vs Iced Espresso
A regular Starbucks iced espresso contains 2 shots of espresso over a cup of ice cubes. No milk, sugar, or syrup.
If you prefer sweeter iced coffee drinks, try a Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso. A grande drink is made of 3 shots of espresso, 4 pumps of syrup, topped with oatmilk or almondmilk.
Starbucks Shaken Espresso: Calories
- Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: Tall 100; Grande 140; Venti 190 Calories
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: Tall 90; Grande 120; Venti 170 Calories
- Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso: Tall 80; Grande 110; Venti 150 Calories
- Iced Shaken Espresso: Tall 80; Grande 100; Venti 160 Calories
Final Thoughts
We hope this has answered your questions about shaken espresso! After reading this article, you know what a shaken espresso is at Starbucks and how it compares with regular espressos and lattes.
Because Starbucks is shaking things up, cold coffee and oatmilk fans are finally able to order this smooth and refreshing hand-shaken treat. Enjoy your shaken espresso!
SEE ALSO:
- Gran Lungo: Nespresso Coffee Hack You Need to Try
- 15 Starbucks Oat Milk Drinks You Need to Try Today
- Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Copycat
Featured Image Credit: Starbucks
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