Shaken Coffee: all you need to know

If you’re a coffee lover in search of a refreshing new taste experience, then the caffe shakerato might be just what you need. This chilled and invigorating delight has become a summer classic in many parts of the world, and today we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this delightful drink.

WHAT IS CAFFÈ SHAKERATO AND HOW IS IT MADE?

Caffè shakerato is a cool and revitalizing beverage that combines espresso coffee and ice, shaken together to create a light foam and a velvety texture. It’s the perfect summer alternative to hot coffee, offering a touch of freshness and an intense caffeine kick.

Originating in Italy, caffe shakerato rose to popularity in the 1990s and has since won over taste buds worldwide, becoming the preferred summer choice for many coffee aficionados. Italian baristas began experimenting with new ways to serve coffee during the hot summer months, aiming to create a refreshing and stimulating beverage that retained the characteristics of espresso coffee but was more suitable for the warm season.

The preparation of caffè shakerato is surprisingly simple. It begins with brewing a good espresso and allowing it to cool slightly. Then, ice is added to a shaker, followed by pouring the espresso over it and optionally adding a sugar syrup or a touch of liqueur for extra flavor. After sealing the shaker, vigorously shake it for about 15-20 seconds. The result is a cold, refreshing, and frothy coffee ready to be enjoyed.

One of the most interesting aspects of caffè shakerato is its versatility and the ability to customize it according to personal preferences. You can add milk to create a caffè shakerato latte, or a touch of vanilla or chocolate for a sweeter variation. For an alcoholic twist, liqueurs like Kahlua or Baileys can be added for an irresistible drink.

In addition to its delightful taste and versatility, caffè shakerato also offers some health benefits. Its rich caffeine concentration can boost energy levels and improve concentration, perfect for those hot summer days when you need an extra boost. Furthermore, its low calorie content makes it a lighter choice compared to other sugary summer beverages.

Of course, the choice of coffee beans used to prepare the base espresso makes a difference. For a caffeine kick, opt for a blend with a #Vigorous #Character for maximum concentration, or choose a coffee with a #Chill #Character for a more delicate drink, preferably 100% Arabica.

WHERE TO ENJOY CAFFÈ SHAKERATO

Many cafes and bars offer caffè shakerato on their summer menus, but you can also easily prepare it at home with just a few tools and ingredients. All you need is good espresso, ice, and a shaker, and you can enjoy this delight at any time of the day.

The advantage of homemade preparation is the ability to adjust the amount of sugar, but more importantly, the choice of ground coffee to use. Often at bars, you’re not asked which coffee you prefer for your shakerato, perhaps because it’s thought that diluting and cooling it down won’t significantly impact the final taste. But that’s not the case: excellent base beans will yield a quality espresso, which will still shine through even when diluted with ice. It simply changes the body because, obviously, a shakerato has a mouthfeel more akin to tea, but this doesn’t mean the flavors won’t come through.

You could opt for a very fruity single-origin, such as a Central American coffee, to experience the delightful sensation of a refreshing summer juice. If you’re a fan of acidity, on the other hand, you should prefer a coffee with an #Adventurous #Character, preferably single-origin.

A blend of multiple coffees, on the other hand, helps if you want to combine aroma and intensity: perfect for you, in this case, is a #Fascinating coffee, which has a small percentage of robusta that will make your shakerato bold and robust.

SELECTION FOR CAFFÈ SHAKERATO: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COFFEE

When it comes to preparing a caffè shakerato, choosing the right coffee is crucial to ensure an excellent result. There are several factors to consider in coffee selection, including variety, origin, and overall quality.

The best coffee origins for caffè shakerato depend on personal taste and preferences for aroma and flavor notes. However, there are some regions renowned for the quality of their coffee that often pair well with this refreshing beverage.

• Latin America: Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica produce coffees with sweet, chocolatey, and slightly fruity notes, which pair well with caffè shakerato. These coffees offer a balanced and full-bodied flavor profile, ideal for a refreshing and invigorating beverage.
• Africa: Countries like Ethiopia and Kenya are known for their vibrant and aromatic coffees, with floral, fruity, and spicy notes. These coffees add complexity and liveliness to caffè shakerato, offering a unique and engaging sensory experience.
• Asia: Some Asian coffees, such as those from Sumatra or Vietnam, offer unique flavor profiles with earthy, woody, and spicy notes. These coffees can add depth and complexity to caffè shakerato, making it even more interesting and captivating.

Another decision to make is whether to use a coffee blend or a single-origin variety. As mentioned earlier, both have their advantages and depend largely on individual preferences.

• Coffee Blends: blends are mixtures of beans from different regions and coffee varieties. This blend can be created to achieve a balanced and complex taste by combining the characteristics of different coffees. This makes coffee blends a reliable choice for caffè shakerato, as they offer a consistent texture and flavor.
• Single-Origin: Single-origin coffees, on the other hand, come from a single region or even a single plantation. These coffees offer a unique and distinctive taste profile that reflects the characteristics of the terroir in which they are grown. Choosing a single-origin coffee for caffè shakerato allows you to appreciate the nuances of coffee from a specific region.

With a little research and experimentation (or with a trusted barista), you’ll be able to find the perfect coffee to prepare a delicious caffè shakerato that satisfies your tastes and preferences.

The next time you’re looking for a moment of freshness and vivacity, give caffè shakerato a chance and let yourself be captivated by its irresistible charm.