What is a Starbucks shaken espresso (History of Shaken Espresso at Starbucks, what does it taste like, what are the varieties at Starbucks + more information)

If you love Starbucks espressos, it’s time to try it out without the layers that are accustomed to it. This is traditionally called the Starbucks shaken espresso, but exactly “what is a Starbucks shaken espresso?”

Being an addict of the espressos, I can attest to the variations and enhancements that Starbucks makes to their espressos to satisfy its clients. Most of their espressos have gone through perfect evolutions to become the conveniently satisfying and delicious espressos that they are today. If I was to enjoy any kind of drink in the summer or the scorching sun, it certainly would be the Starbucks Shaken Espresso.

The Starbucks shaken espresso is a unique twist on the standard Starbucks espresso. It is shaken by hand right after being chilled and sweetened then added a touch of milk to brewing a delicious, soothing, and convenient drink, since 2021.

The point of shaking the espresso is to chill it very first with the ice, increasing the dilution of the ingredients in the drink and distinguishing the unique, frothy texture. This write-up will tell you everything you need to know about the Starbucks Shaken Espresso. Stay to the end.

History of Shaken Espresso at Starbucks

In the summer of 2003, Starbucks introduced iced shaken coffees and Tea. This was inspired by the traditional mixology technique of mixing various drinks and ingredients to have one homogenous drink, a cocktail. This performed very well in the then market, being an extremely hot season.

In March 2021, Starbucks introduced the Shaken espresso. Their signature espresso was chilled, sweetened and milk added before the mixture is hand-shaken to blend the ingredients. Over time, this signature drink has been rated a 5-star because of its simple nature yet smooth and rich in flavor.

Having been introduced to only lure its customers back to the café, the Starbucks shaken espresso has surpassed expectations and become one of the reasons customers stick to the store. Besides quenching your cravings and thirst for espresso, it is considered healthy as the shaking helps to mellow out the acidity and leave a smoother flavor.

What is Starbucks Shaken Espresso made of (ingredients)?

Like the normal Starbucks Espresso, this shaken variety has the same ingredients including;

Pumps of Classic syrup (their simple syrup)

A Classic syrup is the Starbucks version of simple syrup. It is made from;

• Sugar
• Water
• A natural flavor
• A preservative: potassium sorbate (e202)
• Citric acid (e330)

Four pumps of this syrup will be enough for a grande (16fl oz.)

Shots of Classic Starbucks espresso

The standard Starbucks espresso is made by forcefully passing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This will give a highly concentrated shot of coffee. This should have an average of 75mg of caffeine.

You will need 3 shots of this for a shaken espresso in a grande.

Ice

Ice is what creates the chilled sensation of the Starbucks shaken espresso. About six cubes should be enough for grande cup size.

Splash of 2% milk.

Reduced-fat milk of between 1% and 2% is used. However if not specified, the barrister could use whole milk for an even richer taste.

What is the nutritional information of Starbucks Shaken Espresso?

The Starbucks shaken espresso has 100 calories served in the 16 fl oz. Nutritionally, this beverage is rich in the following;

Nutrient	Quantity
Caffeine	225mg
Carbohydrates; Sugar Dietary Fiber	17g 14g 0g
Protein	4g
Cholesterol	5mg
Fat; Saturated Fat Trans Fat	2g 1g 0g

A maximum of 2000 calories is recommended in a day. This makes the shaken espresso a healthy on-the-go snack.

There are no allergens in this drink unless you are lactose intolerant, although one can never be too careful.

What does Starbucks Shaken Espresso taste like?

The Starbucks shaken espresso tastes a little different compared to the Standard espresso. It adds a smooth, easy-to-drink, and well-balanced sensation to your standard espresso. When just stirred, this drink tastes harsher as the ingredients never combine well. Well hand-shaken however, it comes with a nice frothy experience.

How do you order a Shaken Espresso from Starbucks?

Like all other espressos, ordering the Starbucks shaken espresso has a set of specifications that will give you your exact order in the quantity you wanted it.

In doing so, regardless of the means of purchase, you will begin by stating the size first, then followed by the name of the drink and any other specification you would like to custom.

For instance, you can order a “grande of shaken espresso with pumps of your classic syrup and extra ice”

Note that when ordering, you can use the Starbucks App or visit the store physically for your shaken espresso.

If you opt to use the Starbucks app, you can pay from it using the balance on your Starbucks Card. Otherwise, you can pay cash, use a credit or debit card, or scan the QR code at the store to finish your transaction. The Starbucks app allows you to preorder and get a delivery done to your doorstep. All you will need to do is add a delivery note. Note that a physical delivery to your location will attract an extra packaging and delivery charge.

Starbucks Shaken Espresso Drinks

Starbucks has several variations of its shaken espressos. They are classified based on the ingredients.

Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Commonly known as the Starbucks blonde espresso because of its color, it constitutes caramelized vanilla shaken together and topped with oat milk. It tastes like a classic vanilla flavor and has hints of caramelized vanilla. The creamy oat milk gives its smooth, creamy feel.

Ingredients;

• Starbucks “blonde espresso”
• Toasted vanilla syrup/ Caramelized vanilla (Vanilla bean, water, granulated sugar) made in the following way;
• Boil sugar and water then lower the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. The aim is to get the mixture to thicken a bit.
• Slice the vanilla bean along the lengths and scarp of the seeds.
• Empty the syrup into a jar and add the seeds scraped out and a bean of vanilla, then store the mixture in your fridge for 12 hours at least.
• Your toasted vanilla syrup will be ready
• Ice
• Oatmilk

How to prepare;

Pour your espresso and the toasted vanilla syrup into a cocktail shaker or just a regular jar filled with ice. Shake the resulting mixture vigorously for about 20 seconds until the espresso achieves a nice frothy look.

¾ way fill your grande size glass with ice and pour the shaken espresso into it. Now fill the remaining cup room with oat milk.

There you have your iced toasted vanilla oat milk.

Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This espresso contains the “blonde espresso” and brown sugar mixture and is topped with oat milk and ice.

Ingredients;

• Blonde espresso
• Brown sugar syrup; prepared like the toasted vanilla syrup only that this time equal options of brown sugar and water are used.

How to prepare;

Add 1 -2 tablespoons of brown sugar into an empty jar and pour in 2 shots of espresso. You can also use a cocktail shaker. Add a cup of ice and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds.

Pour the resulting mixture into a grande size cup with ice and top up with oat milk as much as you’d like.

Once done, this should be served right away.

Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso

This is an espresso that naturally contains the “blonde espresso”, shaken together and topped with almond milk and ice.

Ingredients;

• 3 shots of blonde espresso
• Almond milk
• Chocolate malt powder;
• Ice

How to prepare;

Brew 3 shots of espresso, then pour it into a jar with chocolate malt powder and ice. This should be enough to fill the jar.

Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.

Pour the mixture into a grande size glass and top it up with almond milk.

You have your iced chocolate Almond milk shaken espresso.

Iced Shaken Espresso

This is a full espresso drink that is shaken, chilled with ice, sweetened and a touch of milk added to come up with a delightfully satisfying espresso.

Ingredients;

• 3 shots of signature espresso
• 2% milk
• Ice
• 4 pumps of classic syrup

How to prepare;

Brew 3 shots of the Starbucks signature espresso. Add it to the simple syrup and ice in a cocktail shaker.

Shake the mixture for about 20 seconds. Empty the resulting drink into a grande size cup then add milk and more ice.

FAQ Section

Does the Starbucks Star drink have caffeine?

Yes, it does. Much as the Starbucks star drink is neither a coffee nor a tea drink, it constitutes average caffeine of 50mg.

Is Starbucks star drink healthy?

Yes, it is. Apart from its very refreshing taste in the summer, it has very little fat and calories that make it a medically healthy drink.

How much caffeine is in a venti star drink?

The venti star drink has an average of 70mg.

Does Starbucks use real starfruit in its star drink?

No. They are technically not fresh fruit pieces. The drink however contains real kiwi fruit pieces.