Iced

An iced shaken espresso is freshly pulled hot espresso, classic simple syrup, and ice shaken hard in a cocktail shaker for 20–30 seconds, then strained over fresh ice and topped with a splash of milk. The shaking instantly chills the espresso, dilutes it just enough to soften the bitterness, and develops a layer of foam on top — the visual signature of the drink. Starbucks introduced the Iced Shaken Espresso in 2021 to replace the Doubleshot on Ice from the secret menu. It’s now one of their most-ordered iced drinks: stronger and less sweet than an iced latte, but more aromatic than a regular iced espresso (which is just espresso poured over ice, often watery and dull). ...

Shaken espresso is espresso shots shaken vigorously with ice (and usually a sweetener) in a cocktail shaker, then poured over fresh ice and topped with milk or cream. The shaking aerates the espresso, creating a frothy, chilled drink with a silky, lighter texture than a standard iced latte. Starbucks popularized shaken espresso with their Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, but the technique — shaking espresso with ice — has existed in coffee culture for decades. The Italian-inspired “shakerato” (espresso shaken with ice and sugar) is the original version. ...