When the summer heat is relentless, what could be more refreshing than a tall, frosty beverage to take the edge off? And if that beverage is not only delicious, but also gives you a much-needed caffeine kick, could it be any more perfect? Let’s see.
Enter my Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso – a drink that I have lovingly nicknamed ‘the cool cousin of the hot latte’. Why? Because it shares the creamy, rich taste of your favourite latte, but it brings its own chilled, chocolatey twist to the party.
The Origin of the Shaken Espresso
While the shaken espresso may seem like a quirky new trend, it actually has its roots in Italy. The shaken espresso, or ‘caffe shakerato’, is a traditional Italian beverage, served chilled. It was essentially an espresso shot shaken up with ice and a bit of sugar. My version takes that classic recipe and adds a few delicious twists.
Just like the traditional version, my recipe starts with a good-quality espresso shot. But that’s where the similarities end. I bring in almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free twist, and a good dose of chocolate syrup for that irresistible, sweet flavour.
The Appeal of Almond Milk
In case you’re wondering why I picked almond milk for this recipe, let me tell you – it’s not just because it’s dairy-free. Almond milk brings a unique, nutty flavour to the drink. It’s also a great source of nutrients like calcium and vitamin E.
Of course, if you prefer, you can use any other milk of your choice. But I find that the subtle sweetness of almond milk pairs perfectly with the rich, bitter taste of the espresso and the sweet, decadent chocolate.
Getting the Perfect Shaken Espresso
There’s a bit of an art to getting the perfect shaken espresso. First, you need a good-quality espresso shot. Ideally, you should use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavour. But if that’s not available, a good-quality instant espresso will do the trick.
The other key is in the shaking. Shaking the espresso with the ice not only cools it down, but also gives it a frothy, creamy texture. This is what makes the drink so refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool down a bit.
- In a shaker, combine the espresso, almond milk, chocolate syrup, and ice cubes. Shake well until everything is well combined and frothy.
- Pour the drink into a tall glass. You can add a bit of sugar if you like it sweeter. Enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Tips for Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso
Make sure your espresso is not too hot when you add it to the shaker – you don’t want to melt the ice too quickly. Also, don’t be shy with the shaking – the more vigorous, the better. If you don’t have a shaker, a well-sealed mason jar can do the trick.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe is a brilliant blend of creamy, sweet, and rich flavors. It’s not your average espresso, it’s a drink that stands out. It’s a must-try if you’re a coffee lover looking for a refreshing twist on your usual cup of joe.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 2g