Iced Shaken Espresso: Bold, Refreshing & Easy to Make

Looking for a refreshing, bold coffee? Starbucks’ Iced Shaken Espresso delivers smooth texture and balanced flavor, thanks to its unique shaking process. This drink isn’t just about taste. it’s an entirely new coffee experience.

Let’s dive into what makes this drink special, how it compares to an iced latte, and how you can make your own at home.

Table of Contents

What is Iced Shaken Espresso?

This Starbucks favorite is a layered espresso drink, shaken with ice, syrup, and milk to create a light, frothy texture. Inspired by the Italian shakerato, Starbucks introduced its version in March 2021, offering multiple flavor options.

Popular Variations:

Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: Caramelized sweetness with oat milk.
Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso: Rich cocoa and nutty almond flavors.
Classic Iced Shaken Espresso: The original bold, smooth drink.

Shaken Espresso vs. Iced Latte

Many confuse a shaken espresso with an iced latte, but they have key differences:

Aspect	Shaken Espresso	Iced Latte
Preparation	Brewed espresso shaken with ice, then poured into a cup	Espresso poured over ice and mixed with milk
Milk Content	Little to no milk, bolder and more concentrated	More milk, creamier taste
Texture and Flavor	Lighter, frothier texture	Smooth, heavier due to higher milk content
Caffeine Strength	Typically more caffeine per sip, less diluted with milk	Typically less caffeine per sip, more diluted with milk

Simply put, if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor with a refreshing twist, go for a shaken espresso. If you enjoy a creamier, milder taste, an iced latte is the better choice.

Ingredients & Tools

Kitchen Tools:

Espresso machine or coffee maker
Cocktail shaker or mason jar
Measuring spoons and cups
Tall glass, stirring spoon

Ingredients:

Freshly brewed espresso shots
Ice cubes (preferably large)
Sweetener (optional, like simple syrup or flavored syrups)
Milk or dairy alternative (if desired)

Why Use Big Ice Cubes?

Melt slower, preventing dilution
Keep the drink colder for longer
Enhance the texture and mouthfeel of the shaken espresso
Help create a frothy top when shaken

How to Make Iced Shaken Espresso

Iced Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Easy Recipe):

This is one of the most popular shaken espresso drinks, offering a delicious mix of rich espresso, caramelized brown sugar, and creamy oat milk.

Brew 2 shots of espresso and let them cool slightly.
Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice.
Add the espresso and any sweeteners (like simple syrup or vanilla syrup).
Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.
Add milk or a milk alternative if desired.

How to Make This Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Brew 2 shots of espresso.
In a shaker, add ice and 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup.
Pour in the espresso and shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with oat milk for a creamy finish.

How Do I Make Cold Foam?

Pour ¼ cup of cold milk or a dairy-free alternative into a frother.
Froth for about 20–30 seconds until it becomes light and airy.
If you don’t have a frother, shake the milk in a jar or whisk vigorously.
Pour over your iced shaken espresso for a creamy, foamy topping.

Other Popular Iced Shaken Espresso Variations

Aside from the classic and flavored versions, here are more unique shaken espresso drinks you can try:

Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso – Add cocoa powder and almond milk for a rich, nutty flavor.
Iced Honey Vanilla Shaken Espresso – Sweetened with honey and a touch of vanilla.
Caramel Shaken Espresso – Add caramel syrup for a sweet, buttery taste.
Cinnamon Spice Shaken Espresso – Sprinkle ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for warmth.
Coconut Shaken Espresso – Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Peppermint Mocha Shaken Espresso – Add peppermint extract and cocoa powder for a refreshing holiday feel.
Iced Matcha Espresso Fusion – A blend of matcha and espresso, shaken with ice for a balanced, earthy, and caffeinated drink.
Iced Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso – A mix of caramel and a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
Iced Mocha Shaken Espresso – A combination of chocolate syrup and espresso, shaken to perfection.
Iced Hazelnut Shaken Espresso – Made with hazelnut syrup for a nutty, aromatic twist.
Iced Lavender Honey Shaken Espresso – A floral and sweet version using lavender syrup and honey.

Why Is It So Popular?

✔ Smooth Texture – Shaking creates microfoam for a velvety feel.

✔ Bold Yet Refreshing – Strong espresso flavor without the heaviness of a latte.

✔ Easily Customizable – Adjust sweetness, milk type, or espresso shots.

Sizes, Prices And Calories (U.S. Locations)

Curious about sizes, calories, and pricing for Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso ? Here’s a quick overview:

Sizes	Prices (Approx.)	Calories
Tall (12 oz)	$5.17	70
Grande (16 oz)	$5.72	100
Venti (24 oz)	$6.48	160

Note:Prices may vary based on location. Check the Starbucks website or app for the latest price.

Customizations may impact calorie count. For a lower-calorie alternative, consider the Caffè Misto or a Flat White.

Nutrition Information

The Iced Shaken Espresso calories and nutrition depend on its size and milk choice. Here’s the nutrition breakdown for Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz) and Venti (20 oz):

Nutrition	Tall (12 oz)	Grande (16 oz)	Venti (20 oz)
Calories	70	100	160
Fat	1.5 g	2 g	13 g
Cholesterol	5 mg	5 mg	15 mg
Sodium	45 mg	50 mg	85 mg
Carbohydrates	13 g	17 g	25 g
Protein	3 g	4 g	6 g
Caffeine	150 mg**	225 mg**	300 mg**

** Caffeine is an approximate value.↩ (Source: Starbucks)

Tips for the Best Iced Shaken Espresso

Use High-Quality Espresso – Freshly ground medium or dark roast beans.
Shake Vigorously – At least 15 seconds for proper aeration.
Choose the Right Sweetener – Try classic syrup, honey, or brown sugar.
Pick the Perfect Milk – Oat milk for creaminess, almond milk for nuttiness.
Control Ice Levels – Less ice for stronger flavor, more ice for refreshment.
Enhance with Extras – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or espresso tonic.

Final Thoughts

The Iced Shaken Espresso proves that sometimes, simple is best. Starbucks has perfected this smooth, frothy, and refreshing drink, but you can easily recreate it at home. Whether you enjoy it plain or customized, it’s a must-try for any coffee lover!

For more Starbucks drink recommendations, explore the Caffè Verona Clover Vertica or Featured Dark Roast next time you visit.