If you’re looking for a refreshing coffee drink on a hot day, the Caffè Shakerato is a must-try. This Italian-style shaken iced coffee combines espresso with sweetener, shaken over ice, resulting in a frothy, creamy beverage that’s perfect for summer. What makes it unique is the thick layer of foam that forms when the espresso is vigorously shaken in a cocktail shaker.
To make a Caffè Shakerato at home, you only need a few ingredients. This simplicity is part of its charm.
- Freshly brewed espresso
- Sugar or simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Shake these ingredients well in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a chilled glass. The result is a sophisticated and satisfying iced coffee that’s both sweet and refreshing.
Ingredients
To make a perfect Caffè Shakerato, you’ll need a few essential ingredients.
Basic Ingredients
- Espresso: 1-2 shots, freshly brewed. Fresh espresso provides a rich and bold flavor.
- Ice Cubes: Approximately 4-6 cubes. Helps to chill and dilute the espresso just the right amount.
- Sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or simple syrup. Adjust to taste. Use simple syrup for better solubility in cold liquids.
Optional Ingredients
- Vanilla Extract: A few drops. Adds a wonderful aroma and subtle sweetness.
- Liqueur: 1-2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa. Turns your Caffè Shakerato into a delightful after-dinner treat.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker: Ensures you get that frothy top layer.
- Strainer: To filter out the ice. This will leave you with a smooth drink.
- Martini Glass: For an authentic Italian presentation.
Instructions
To make a perfect Caffè Shakerato (Italian-Style Shaken Iced Coffee), follow these steps.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Glass (cocktail glass, coupe, or martini glass)
- Prepare the glass: Fill your glass halfway with ice and water. Let it chill while you prepare the coffee.
- Mix espresso and sugar: In the base of a cocktail shaker, pour the hot espresso over the liquid cane sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add ice: Fill the cocktail shaker with the ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously: Seal the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 10-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and frothy.
- Strain and serve: Discard the ice and water from your chilled glass. Strain the iced espresso into the glass, holding back the ice but letting the creamy foam pour through.
Variations
Caffè Shakerato offers plenty of room for creativity. You can adjust the ingredients or add flavors to make a personalized version that suits your tastes.
Quick Pro Tips
Try different sweeteners: Instead of 35g of liquid cane sugar, use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Each will add a unique flavor to your caffè shakerato.
Experiment with milk: Add a splash of milk, almond milk, or oat milk to create a creamier drink. This can balance the bitterness of the espresso.
Add flavors: Boost the taste with a dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a shot of flavored syrups like hazelnut or caramel.
Use different ice: Use coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution. Brew extra espresso, freeze it in an ice cube tray, and use these cubes instead of regular ice.
Leave a Reply