Honest Review of the Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso: Your New Favorite Coffee Drink
Only textI was an avid latte lover for years, until I tried the Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso for the first time. This new drink has quickly become our favorite because it leaves you both refreshed and caffeinated - which is every parent's dream. We love ordering these on our family walks in the morning or on a trip to the farmers market.
If you've been wanting to try out the Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso but are having trouble parting from your usual favorite drink order, here's my honest review of the new Starbucks drink that's taking over.
What is Special About Shaken Espresso?
From the first sip, the Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso impresses with its smooth and frothy texture. The secret? Shaking shots of espresso with ice in a cocktail shaker. This technique cools the espresso quickly and incorporates air, creating a delightful frothiness.
What Shaken Espresso Beverages Does Starbucks Offer?
As these delicious drinks become more popular, Starbucks keeps adding more varieties to the menu. Here's what they currently offer:
Iced Shaken Espresso:
How it's made: This classic drink combines shots of Starbucks Blonde espresso roast with simple syrup, then it’s shaken with ice and topped with a splash of milk of your choice. It's a straightforward, yet flavorful option that highlights the smoothness of the espresso.
Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso:
How it's made: Starbucks Blonde espresso is shaken with chocolate malt powder and almond milk, creating a rich and nutty taste. This drink offers a refreshing and indulgent flavor profile that's perfect for chocolate lovers.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso:
How it's made: This drink features Starbucks Blonde espresso, which is shaken with pumps of brown sugar syrup and cinnamon powder, then topped with creamy oat milk and ice. It's a delicious blend that provides a subtly sweet and spicy flavor.
Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso:
How it's made: This drink includes Starbucks Blonde espresso, toasted vanilla syrup, and oat milk. The ingredients are shaken with ice to create a creamy, toasty flavor that's both comforting and invigorating.
Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso:
How it's made: Featuring Starbucks Blonde espresso, apple brown sugar syrup, and oat milk, this drink is shaken with ice and topped with a dash of cinnamon. It's a seasonal offering that brings the flavors of apple pie to your coffee cup.
New Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso:
How it's made: This new addition combines Starbucks Blonde espresso with pumps of hazelnut syrup, oat milk, and ice. The result is a smooth, nutty beverage that’s perfect for those who enjoy a hint of hazelnut in their coffee.
Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso
How it's Made: In its new line of olive-oil-infused coffee drinks, this beverage features Starbucks blonde espresso, oat milk, and a spoonful of olive oil, shaken together and topped with golden foam.
What Does an Iced Shaken Espresso Taste Like?
The Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso Drinks have a great balance, with rich espresso shots complemented by subtle sweetness. Neither the coffee flavor or touch of sweetness is overpowering. Instead, they work together to make one delicious drink!
Is an Iced Shaken Espresso Sweet?
An iced shaken espresso can be sweet, but the sweetness level depends on the number of pumps of syrup you choose. Common sweeteners like brown sugar syrup or vanilla syrup are added to the drink, providing a touch of sweetness. For those who prefer a less sweet option, you can customize the drink by reducing the pumps of syrup or opting for no syrup at all.
Does Shaken Espresso Taste Better?
Whether a shaken espresso tastes better is subjective and depends on personal preference. Shaken espresso drinks often have a more balanced flavor with a smooth texture, thanks to the shaking process that blends the espresso, syrup, and ice thoroughly. This can enhance the subtle sweetness and create a more refreshing drink compared to traditional espresso beverages.
Can You Customize an Iced Shaken Espresso?
One thing I've always loved about Starbucks Cafes is how easy it is to customize drinks to your liking. Like all Starbucks beverages, feel free to tweak the ingredient list to craft the perfect drink for you. Here's some easy adjustments you can make:
Adjust Sweetness:
Customize the number of pumps of syrup, such as vanilla syrup or brown sugar syrup, to match your desired level of sweetness.
Milk Options:
Choose from a variety of milk options including creamy oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and dairy milk to suit your dietary preferences and taste.
Espresso Shots:
Modify the number of shots of espresso to make your drink stronger or milder, depending on your caffeine needs.
Which Iced Shaken Espresso is the Best?
The best Iced Shaken Espresso drink is totally based on personal preference. I'm a fan of both the classic Iced Shaken Espresso and flavored varieties. For those who like a nutty flavor, try the new hazelnut beverage. If you like sweeter coffee, the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso is a good drink because of the sweet brown sugar flavor. This fall I'll be switching from the Apple Crist Macchiato to the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmlik Shaken Espresso for that festive apple flavor. (Before the snow starts falling of course)
Is the Iced Shaken Espresso Worth the Hype?
Trust me, the Iced Shaken Espresso is going to be on your list of favorite Starbucks drinks once you try it. It's the perfect drink for morning walks, running errands, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Once you taste the delicious blend of robust espresso shaken perfectly with a touch of sweetness, you'll never go back!
How Much Does an Iced Shaken Espresso Cost?
You can find the Iced Shaken Espresso at most Starbucks locations across the United States. Prices vary, but a tall typically costs around $5.95. Despite its premium price, many find it worth the cost for its quality and taste.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their diet, here are some key nutrition facts about the Iced Shaken Espresso:
Grams of total fat: This varies based on your milk choice. Oat milk adds creaminess without too much fat.
Grams of total sugar: The sugar comes mainly from the syrups. You can request fewer pumps to reduce this.
Caffeine content: With multiple espresso shots, this drink provides a good caffeine boost, perfect for your morning coffee.
If you're concerned about the milk in a classic shaken espresso, oat milk also offers health benefits, including a gram of dietary fiber and a gram of protein per serving. It's lower in milligrams of cholesterol and milligrams of sodium compared to dairy milk, making it a better option for many.
Tips for Enjoying Your Iced Shaken Espresso
First Sip: Take your first sip slowly to appreciate the blend of flavors and the smooth texture from the shaking process.
Customize Your Drink: Experiment with different syrups, milk options, and add-ons like cold foam or cinnamon powder.
Use Your Own Cups: For an eco-friendly option, bring your reusable cups to your local Starbucks. Enjoy a discount and extra stars when you use a personal cup!
Mobile App Orders: Save time by ordering ahead with the Starbucks mobile app, ensuring your drink is ready when you arrive.
FAQs About Iced Shaken Espresso
What's the Difference Between Iced Latte and Shaken Espresso?
The main difference between an iced latte and a shaken espresso is in their preparation and composition:
Iced Latte: Made by pouring espresso shots over ice and then adding milk, resulting in a creamier and more diluted coffee flavor.
Shaken Espresso: Involves shaking espresso shots with ice and syrup, resulting in a frothy, well-mixed drink with a stronger coffee flavor and subtle sweetness.
Is a Shaken Espresso Stronger Than a Latte?
Yes, a shaken espresso is generally stronger than a latte. The difference lies in the ratio of espresso to milk. A shaken espresso typically contains more shots of espresso with less milk, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor. In contrast, a latte has more milk, which dilutes the strength of the espresso shots.
What's the Difference Between a Shaken Espresso and a Cold Brew?
The difference between a shaken espresso and a cold brew lies in the brewing method and flavor profile:
Shaken Espresso: Made by shaking espresso shots with ice and syrup, providing a quick and intense coffee flavor with a smooth texture.
Cold Brew: Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours), resulting in a less acidic, smoother, and milder coffee flavor.
Which Iced Shaken Espresso flavor is your favorite? Comment and let me know!
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
