Caffé Shakerato Recipe: A Taste of Italy at Home

During my recent trip to Italy, I had the pleasure of visiting a charming little café nestled in the heart of Rome.

Italy in summer is stunning, and also stunningly hot. I was in desperate need of a refreshing pick-me-up. That’s when I discovered the café shakerato.

I noticed the local barista vigorously shaking a cocktail shaker filled with espresso and ice, so I decided to give it a try.

The drink was everything I hoped for—smooth, chilled, and perfectly sweetened. I even got the barista to share the recipe with me.

Shakerato has been my go-to drink since I returned home, and I even perfected a few of its versions. I’ll let you in on the process of making this frothy coffee, and how you can customize it to your taste.

What is a Shakerato?

A café shakerato is a simple Italian coffee drink. It’s made by shaking freshly brewed espresso with ice and a touch of sugar until it’s frothy and chilled. The result is a smooth, refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or whenever you need a little caffeine boost.

Unlike iced coffee, which is typically served over ice, a shakerato is strained into a glass, which results in a silky texture and rich foam on top. It’s an excellent way to enjoy your espresso in a new and refreshing form.

Pro tip: Shakerato is traditionally served in martini glasses, which if you ask me, elevates the entire coffee experience.

Ingredients

To make a café shakerato, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The key is to use high-quality espresso and to shake it well to create that signature froth.

• Espresso: Freshly brewed, preferably using a good quality espresso machine or Moka pot.
• Ice cubes: For chilling the espresso and creating the frothy texture.
• Sugar: Adjust to your taste. Traditional shakerato uses simple syrup or granulated sugar.
• Optional extras: A splash of vanilla extract or a dusting of cocoa powder for added flavor.

Caffe Shakerato Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brew the Espresso

Start by brewing a double shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a Moka pot works perfectly. You want the espresso to be strong and aromatic.

2. Prepare the Shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes. The more ice, the better the chilling and frothing effect.

3. Sweeten the Espresso

Add your preferred amount of sugar to the hot espresso. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you’re using simple syrup, add it directly to the espresso

4. Combine Ingredients

Pour the sweetened espresso over the ice in the cocktail shaker. If you’re adding any optional extras like vanilla extract, now’s the time to do it.

5. Shake Vigorously

Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The goal is to chill the espresso rapidly and create a frothy texture. You should feel the shaker get cold in your hands.

The vigorous shaking is what sets a shakerato apart from other iced coffee drinks. When you shake the espresso with ice, it rapidly chills the coffee and incorporates air, creating a frothy, creamy texture.

It’s this froth that makes the shakerato so special. Don’t be afraid to really give it a good shake; the more vigorous, the better.

6. Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or any other glass of your choice. The drink should have a beautiful frothy top.

7. Garnish (Optional)

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or a coffee bean on top.

Enjoy immediately. The café shakerato is best enjoyed right away while it’s still cold and frothy.

Caffe Shakerato Variations: Elevate Your Espresso Experience

The café shakerato is already a refreshing coffee drink, but there are plenty of ways to put a unique twist on this Italian classic. Here are some variations to explore, each bringing its own special touch to the shakerato.

Vanilla Shakerato

If you’re a fan of vanilla’s rich and aromatic flavor, this variation is perfect for you. The Vanilla Shakerato adds a hint of vanilla extract to the traditional recipe, which adds a subtle sweetness.

To make this version, brew your two shots of espresso as usual. While the espresso is still hot, stir in your desired amount of sugar along with a quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully dissolved and finish the drink as the original recipe.

Alcoholic Shakerato

For a grown-up twist on the classic shakerato, try the Alcoholic Shakerato. This version adds a splash of your favorite liqueur, making it perfect for an evening treat or a special brunch.

Brew two shots of espresso and add one to two teaspoons of sugar while it’s still hot. Stir until dissolved. Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes, pour in the sweetened espresso, and add a shot (about 1 ounce) of coffee liqueur, amaretto, or your favorite spirit.

Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, then strain into a chilled glass. This boozy variation can be garnished with a coffee bean or a twist of orange zest.

Shakerato Macchiato

The Shakerato Macchiato adds a creamy twist to the traditional shakerato. After brewing two shots of espresso and sweetening it to taste with one to two teaspoons of sugar, let the espresso cool slightly.

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes and pour the sweetened espresso over the ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass, leaving some space at the top.

For the final touch, “macchiare” (which means “to stain” in Italian) your shakerato with a dollop of frothed milk or a splash of cold cream.

Check out more coffee recipes:

• Make the Best Tiramisu Latte Recipe in 6 Easy Steps
• Coconut Iced Coffee: A Tropical Twist to Refresh Your Day
• Refreshing Oreo Iced Coffee Recipe: Your New Favorite Treat