DIY Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Recipe
Quick Answer
Create Starbucks-quality Iced Shaken Espresso at home in three easy steps: brew 3 ounces of espresso, shake vigorously with ice and simple syrup, then top with a splash of milk. This refreshing coffee drink takes just 5 minutes to make using basic ingredients and equipment - no barista skills needed!
Key Takeaways
- Needs only four ingredients: espresso, ice, simple syrup, and milk
- Takes under 10 minutes from start to finish
- Contains about 225 mg caffeine (same as Starbucks Grande)
- Costs a fraction of coffee shop prices
- Customize with alternative milks or flavored syrups
I still remember my first homemade iced shaken espresso. After spending $6 daily at Starbucks, I discovered I could create the same frothy and rich coffee at home for pennies. That first sip of that cold and creamy espresso punch changed my morning routine forever.
What Is an Iced Shaken Espresso?
Just as the name suggests, it's espresso that gets shaken up with extras to boost its deliciousness. Starbucks introduced their Iced Shaken Espresso in 2021, along with two tasty variations: the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso and the Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso.
The basic version combines ice, espresso shots, and classic syrup in a cocktail shaker. This isn't just for show - shaking creates a fuller, creamier texture with tiny air bubbles that transform the coffee. After shaking, it gets poured into a glass and topped with just enough milk to add creaminess without overwhelming the coffee flavor.
According to the Starbucks menu, their official description calls it "rich, full-bodied espresso shaken, chilled and mellowed with sweetness and a touch of milk to create a delightfully and deliciously convenient on-the-go drink."
The Essential Ingredients
This drink keeps things simple with just three main components: coffee, milk, and sweetener. Because the recipe is so minimal, ingredient quality makes a big difference.
Coffee Selection
Starbucks uses their Signature Espresso Roast, which offers bold flavors with hints of dark chocolate and toasted nuts. For homemade versions, you can either buy Starbucks beans or pick any espresso roast with a similar profile.
Not into dark roast? Go for a medium roast with notes of nuts, fruit, or caramel. The important part is getting that concentrated coffee flavor that can stand up to ice and milk.
Milk Options
The standard recipe calls for 2% milk, which balances creaminess and sweetness nicely. But you've got options:
- For richer texture: whole milk or half-and-half
- For fewer calories: skim milk
- For keto-friendly: heavy cream
- For dairy-free: unsweetened oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
Each option changes the final flavor and texture slightly, so try different versions to find your favorite.
Simple Syrup Basics
What Starbucks calls "classic syrup" is just simple syrup - equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved. It's super easy to make at home:
1. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small pot
2. Heat until sugar completely dissolves
3. Cool before using
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks
If you want more then try these flavor variations:
- Vanilla syrup: add a vanilla bean or extract during heating
- Cinnamon syrup: drop in a cinnamon stick
- Brown sugar syrup: substitute brown sugar for white sugar
How to Make an Iced Shaken Espresso
Let's break down the process into three simple steps.
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
First, you need about 3 ounces of espresso (equivalent to a triple shot). Here are your options:
If you have an espresso machine:
- Grind 21 grams of coffee beans to a fine consistency
- Aim for 25-30 second extraction time
- Depending on your basket size, you might need to pull multiple shots
If you don't have espresso machine then try these alternatives:
- Aeropress: Use a fine grind and the inverted method for stronger coffee
- Moka pot: This stovetop device creates pressure for espresso-like coffee
- Nespresso: Use 3 espresso pods (though this gets expensive)
The key is getting strong, concentrated coffee that won't taste watered down after adding ice.
Step 2: Combine and Shake It Up
Now comes the important part:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker or Mason jar halfway with ice
2. Add your fresh espresso
3. Add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup (adjust to taste)
4. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds
This shaking process does two important things: it chills the espresso and creates that signature frothy texture.
For reference, Starbucks uses four pumps of syrup in a Grande (about 4 tablespoons), but most homebrewers find that too sweet. Start with less and adjust to your preference.
After shaking, pour everything into a chilled 16-ounce glass. The hot espresso will melt some ice, diluting it slightly - this is normal and part of the drink's balance.
Pro tip: For extra-cold drinks without dilution, freeze some coffee into ice cubes and use those instead of regular ice.
Step 3: Top with Milk
Finally, pour ΒΌ cup of your chosen milk over the shaken espresso. This amount keeps the coffee flavor bold and intense. If you prefer a creamier drink, add a bit more.
For extra luxury, froth your cold milk before adding it. Use a handheld frother or vigorously shake the milk in a separate container to create a layer of cold foam on top.
According to the nutrition information from Starbucks, a Grande Iced Shaken Espresso contains 100 calories, 14g sugar, and 2g fat. For this reason, it is a relatively light coffee option compared to many specialty drinks.
Nutrition Information
Final Thoughts
Creating an Iced Shaken Espresso at home is surprisingly simple. With just four ingredients and basic equipment, you can enjoy this refreshing coffee drink in under five minutes. It's the perfect summer pick-me-up without the coffee shop price tag.
The beauty of making it yourself is customization - adjust the sweetness, experiment with different milks, or add flavors to create your signature version. Your morning coffee routine just got an upgrade!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the caffeine content in an Iced Shaken Espresso?
Using this recipe, you'll get about 225mg of caffeine, equivalent to a Grande at Starbucks. The official sizes vary:
- Tall: 150mg (2 oz espresso)
- Grande: 225mg (3 oz espresso)
- Venti: 300mg (4 oz espresso)
How many calories are in this homemade version?
This recipe creates a drink with approximately 97 calories, including:
- 18g carbs
- 1.2g fat
- 2g protein
This is nearly identical to the Starbucks Grande at 100 calories. Using alternative milks can reduce this even further.
How is an Iced Shaken Espresso different from an Iced Latte?
The main differences are:
1. Texture: Shaking creates a frothy, light mouthfeel
2. Milk ratio: Lattes contain much more milk, diluting the coffee flavor
3. Preparation method: The shaking process aerates the espresso, changing its character
Can I make variations like Starbucks offers?
Absolutely! Try these popular modifications:
- Substitute brown sugar syrup for classic syrup
- Add a dash of cinnamon
- Use vanilla or hazelnut syrup instead of plain
- Try blonde espresso for a lighter, more complex flavor
- Add a splash of chocolate for a mocha-inspired version
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Yes! Though traditional espresso machines create the best results, you can use strong coffee from an Aeropress or Moka pot. Just brew it extra strong to compensate for the ice dilution.
A burr mill, as described on Wikipedia, helps grind coffee beans to a uniform size, which improves extraction quality significantly. If you're serious about home coffee, investing in a burr grinder makes a noticeable difference in your drinks.
About the Author
This article was written by the Lifeboost writing team based on extensive testing of home coffee brewing methods. We referenced information from specialty coffee resources and professional barista training materials.
Disclaimer: The recipes and methods shared in this article are based on our testing and research, but your results may look and taste different based on your equipment, ingredients, and technique.
