When it comes to getting that energy boost, nothing hits quite like a freshly brewed espresso. But have you tried shaking things up with a shaken espresso? This trendy twist on your traditional cup is not just about looking cool; it's about maximizing flavor and caffeine kick. Let's dive into what makes shaken espresso a fantastic pick-me-up, especially when you're using the STARESSO Classic Portable Espresso Machine.
What is a shaken espresso?
Imagine taking the bold flavors of espresso and mixing them with the chill vibe of ice, shaken, not stirred, to create a frothy, refreshing beverage. Shaken espresso starts with a robust shot of espresso—hot, dark, and rich. Then, it takes a little dance with ice in a shaker, and what you get is a creamy top layer with a cool, mellowed-out espresso underneath. The best part? You can whip this up anywhere, from your kitchen to your campsite, all thanks to the handy STARESSO Classic.
How to make a shaken espresso
To get started, you'll need a few basic things:
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A shot of espresso
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Ice cubes to chill and dilute the intensity just a smidge
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Optional: Sweeteners or syrups if you like things sweet
Step-by-step brewing process
Step 1: Grind your beans using the STARESSO Discovery II Grinder
Step 2: Brew your espresso. Use a portable espresso maker and pull a perfect shot anywhere—no plugs needed.
Step 3: Toss the espresso into a shaker with a handful of ice. Give it a good shake until it's frothy and chilled. Think of it as your mini workout for the day.
Step 4: Pour and enjoy. Strain it into a glass and watch that beautiful foam form a creamy layer on top.
Caffeine in shaken espresso
A standard 1oz (30ml) shot of espresso typically packs about 63 mg of caffeine, which is already a decent punch. Shaken espresso might feel like it's a lighter deal because of the ice, but don't be fooled—you're getting all that caffeine goodness, especially if you double up on the shots.
Factors influencing caffeine levels
You can adjust the caffeine in a shaken espresso by tweaking the following:
The coffee beans
Are you using a light roast or a dark roast? Lighter might mean more caffeine.
How much coffee you use
More grounds, more punch.
Your espresso machine
The STARESSO Classic is super efficient at extraction, which means you're getting the best bang for your coffee beans.
Benefits of caffeine in a shaken espresso
Caffeine is a powerful tool to combat brain fog, increase metabolism, and enhance workout performance. It kick-starts the brain, boosts metabolic rate, turning the body into a calorie-burning machine, and acts as a secret weapon for more intense workouts.
Stick to around 400 mg of caffeine a day—that's safe for most adults and about the equivalent of five shots of espresso. Don't overdo it, or you might end up more jittery than energized.
Your next steps to a perfect shaken espresso
Whether you're just waking up or need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, shaken espresso might just be your new go-to. And with the STARESSO Classic, you're all set to make barista-level coffee, whether you're at home, at work, or somewhere in between. So why not give it a whirl? Shake up your coffee routine and feel that delicious caffeine surge through your veins.
Frequently asked questions about shaken espresso caffeine
How much caffeine is in iced shaken espresso?
The amount of caffeine in an iced shaken espresso depends on the number of espresso shots used. Typically, a single shot of espresso contains about 63mg of caffeine. So, if your iced shaken espresso includes two shots, you're looking at approximately 126mg of caffeine.
Is shaken espresso strong?
Yes, shaken espresso is quite strong because it uses concentrated espresso shots as its base. The shaking process doesn't dilute the espresso significantly but instead cools it and adds a frothy texture. The number of shots used can also adjust the strength.
How many shots are in a shaken espresso?
A standard shaken espresso usually contains one to two shots of espresso. However, you can customize it to your preference. For a more potent drink, you might opt for two or more shots, while a single shot will yield a milder version.
Does the brown sugar shaken espresso have a lot of caffeine?
The caffeine content in a brown sugar shaken espresso is determined by the number of espresso shots included, not the addition of brown sugar. If your brown sugar shaken espresso has two shots, it will have about 126 mg of caffeine. The brown sugar adds sweetness but doesn't affect the caffeine level.
How much caffeine is in a Starbucks shaken espresso?
At Starbucks, the amount of caffeine in a shaken espresso depends on the size and the number of shots. Typically, a tall (12 oz) shaken espresso contains about 150 mg of caffeine from two shots. A grande (16 oz) has approximately 225 mg with three shots, and a venti (24 oz) includes around 300 mg with four shots. Always check with Starbucks for specific details, as recipes can vary.
