Shakerato is a refreshing Italian coffee-based drink that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made simply with espresso and ice, the drink is shaken to create a frothy, cold beverage that is sure to please. The caffè shakerato (as it is called in Italian) is the Italian answer to all of those calorie-laden coffee shop drinks. The sugar in the Italian Shakerato recipe is technically optional. However, a bit of sugar is both tasty and helps the drink to produce a better foam.
Traditionally, there’s no alcohol in the Shakerato, though one can ask for it ‘corretto’ (‘corrected’)—which is the Italian way to ask for a splash of alcohol in an otherwise alcohol-free drink. And yes, the Shakerato is most often served in an elegant martini glass similar to the one below:
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History of the Caffè Shakerato
The origins of Shakerato can be traced back to the cafes of northern Italy in the 1990s. As the popularity of espresso-based drinks continued to grow, bartenders and baristas began to experiment with new ways to serve coffee. The idea of shaking espresso with ice was born.
Initially, the drink was served only in select cafes and bars in Italy, but its popularity quickly spread throughout the country. Today, Shakerato can be found on the menu of most Italian cafes, and is enjoyed by coffee lovers around the world.
Variations of the Shakerato Recipe
While the classic Shakerato recipe calls for only espresso and ice, there are many variations of this popular drink that can be found in cafes and bars throughout Italy. One common variation is the Shakerato con Panna, which includes a dollop of whipped cream on top of the frothy espresso and ice mixture.
Another popular variation is the Shakerato al Caffe Corretto, which includes a shot of alcohol such as grappa, brandy, or amaretto. This variation is often served as a dessert drink or after-dinner digestivo.
Some cafes and bars also offer flavored Shakerato—such as hazelnut, vanilla, or chocolate. These flavors are typically added to the simple syrup or sugar that is then added to drink.
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Italian Shakerato Recipe: Cold Espresso Drink
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker or jar with lid
- espresso machine or similar, to brew the espresso
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso cool to room temperature
- ice
- 3 tsp simple syrup or sugar (OPTIONAL)
Instructions
- Brew two shots of espresso using your preferred method.
- Allow the espresso to cool to room temperature.
- Fill a cocktail shaker or a jar with ice.
- Pour the cooled espresso into the shaker or jar.
- Add a small amount of simple syrup or sugar if desired.
- Cover the shaker or jar and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture becomes frothy and chilled.
- Strain the Shakerato into a chilled glass.
- Serve immediately … and Buon appetito!
