Two popular options are iced shaken espressos and lattes. Both are delicious and relatively easy to make at home with the right tools and step-by-step guidance—but they're distinct drinks.
Here's what to know about a shaken espresso vs. a latte, including what each one is, how they differ, and how to prepare them at home with barista-quality results.
What is a shaken espresso?
A shaken espresso is a type of iced espresso drink that contains multiple espresso shots, lots of ice, a sweetener (like simple syrup, brown sugar, or vanilla flavoring), and a splash of milk. The espresso shots, ice, and sweetener are vigorously shaken together, which chills the espresso and leaves a frothy layer on top. Then the milk is mixed in to make a creamy and flavorful espresso drink.
With a higher amount of espresso and only a small amount of milk, this beverage boasts a bold, espresso-forward flavor profile.
What is a latte?
A latte is another type of espresso-based drink, typically made with one or two espresso shots, steamed milk (comprising about two-thirds of the drink), and a thin layer of microfoam on top. You can also get iced lattes, which are made with cold milk and sometimes topped with cold foam.
With more milk and less espresso, a latte is creamy with a mild flavor profile. It can be made with milk only or sweetened and flavored with syrup.
Key differences between shaken espresso and latte
Let's go over the main differences between shaken espresso and caffè lattes:
● Milk ratio – The milk-to-espresso ratio is much higher with a latte than with a shaken espresso. Lattes are about two-thirds milk, and shaken espressos only use a splash of milk.
● Serving style – A shaken espresso is an iced drink typically served in a large, tall glass. Lattes can be served hot in a mug or to-go coffee cup. Iced lattes, on the other hand, can be enjoyed in a highball glass, plastic cup, or tumbler.
● Flavor and texture – Shaken espresso is bold, cold, refreshing, and frothy. A hot caffè latte is warm, smooth, creamy, and comforting.
● Calorie count – Lattes tend to be higher in calories than iced shaken espresso, as they use more milk.
When should you drink an iced shaken espresso vs. latte?
Folks who find black coffee and espresso shots too strong often prefer lattes because the milk helps balance the bitterness. Those who prefer their coffee drinks less sweet or less milk-heavy may appreciate iced shaken espressos.
But you don't have to choose between a shaken espresso and a latte. Many people like both and enjoy them on different occasions.
During the fall and winter, when you want to sip a warm drink from a traditional mug, a latte is the thing. In the warmer seasons, when you're craving an iced beverage or need a refreshing boost, a shaken espresso is an excellent choice.
Making shaken espressos and lattes at home
If you have an espresso maker, making these drinks at home is easier than you might think.
How to make a shaken espresso
Here's how to make a shaken espresso:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add two or three shots of espresso.
3. Add about a tablespoon of liquid sweetener.
4. Vigorously shake until there's a layer of froth on top.
5. Add a splash of milk.
6. Serve over ice
Beyond your choice of sweetener, you can use cow's milk or a non-dairy alternative, like almond, soy, or oat milk.
How to make a latte
Here's how to make a latte:
1. Brew and pour one or two shots of espresso into a mug.
2. If you're using a sweetener or flavoring, add it right after pouring the espresso into the mug, then stir it until it dissolves before adding any milk.
3. Pour roughly 6 ounces of steamed milk into the mug on top of the espresso, reserving the microfoam by holding it back with a spoon as you pour.
4. Add the reserved foam to the top.
While it won't affect the taste, you can practice creating latte art for a barista-level finish.
Perfecting your ideal espresso drink
Brewing espresso at home means you can make all kinds of café-style drinks, from shaken espresso and lattes to cappuccinos and flat whites.
Breville espresso machines help streamline the process with built-in grinding, precision brewing, and integrated milk wands to get the perfect texture every time.
Sources:
1. Perfect Daily Grind. A Complete Guide to The Greek Freddo. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2020/02/a-complete-guide-to-the-greek-freddo/
2. Perfect Daily Grind. How to Prepare Milk-Based Coffees at Home: Your One-Stop VIDEO Guide. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2016/06/how-to-prepare-milk-based-coffees-at-home-your-one-stop-video-guide/
3. America's Test Kitchen. Why Shaken Espresso Is So Dang Delicious. https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/5186-why-shaken-espresso-is-so-dang-delicious
4. Barista Magazine. Misunderstood Coffee Drinks: The Shakerato. https://www.baristamagazine.com/misunderstood-coffee-drinks-the-shakerato/
