Iced Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
JUMP TO RECIPE

Espresso, simple syrup, and ice are shaken together then topped with milk to create this extra caffeinated Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso copycat drink.

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso copycat drink in a clear cup.

Iced Shaken Espresso

Iced Shaken Espresso was added to the Starbucks menu on March 2021 along with Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso.

Unlike other espresso drinks at Starbucks like lattes, the Iced Shaken Espresso drinks contain an additional shot of espresso. A grande drink has 3 espresso shots.

Starbucks says that shaking the drink “adds another dimension to the beverage” and “creates a rich texture on your palate – by just adding air.”

The drink is hand-shaken in a cocktail shaker to combine all the ingredients and to instantly chill the drink.

Recipe Highlights

  • This Iced Shaken Espresso is made closely following the exact recipe Starbucks uses.
  • It’s super simple to recreate the drink at home with espresso, simple syrup, milk, and ice. All you need is a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight lid to shake the ingredients together.
  • The espresso can be made quick and easy with a Nespresso machine.
  • This recipe makes a 16 ounce (grande) drink.

RELATED: 12 Starbucks Iced Coffee Recipes

Ingredient Notes

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso copycat drink ingredients.
  • Espresso: Any dark roast coffee can be used to make the espresso for this drink but use Starbucks espresso capsules to make it taste more like theirs.
  • Simple syrup: Starbucks uses their classic syrup to sweeten this drink, which is a simple syrup. Make a batch of simple syrup and use it all week to make this drink.
  • 2% milk: You can use any milk (plant-based or dairy) but 2% is what Starbucks uses as default.
  • Ice: Make ice using filtered water for a better tasting ice.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Simple syrup, espresso, and ice in a cocktail shaker.

Step 1: Put simple syrup, espresso, and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake.

Use 3 Nespresso espresso pods or pull 3 shots from an espresso machine. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a jar with a tight lid.

Shaken espresso poured into a cup.

Step 2: Pour drink into a cup.

Shaken espresso poured into a cup.

Step 3: Add milk. Top off with more ice if needed.

Nespresso Notes

The easiest way to recreate Starbucks drinks with espresso is with a Nespresso machine.

My Nespresso Pick
This Nespresso model makes espresso and brewed coffee and costs around $200. Tip: Skip the Aeroccino and get a bigger milk frother.
SHOP NOW

1 shot of espresso = 1 Nespresso espresso capsule

There are 3 shots of espresso in a grande size Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso drink. You’ll need 3 Nespresso Starbucks espresso capsules. You can also use any Nespresso espresso capsule.

Any Nespresso espresso capsules can be used but go with the Starbucks branded ones if you want it to taste as close to the Starbucks drink as possible.

Even though the Iced Shaken Espresso is made with their signature dark roast espresso, try making it at home using the Blonde Espresso since it’s more popular and better reviewed since it has a smoother taste.

My Nespresso Starbucks Pod Pick
To recreate Starbucks drinks at home, go for this popular blonde espresso.
SHOP NOW

Expert Tips

  • Instead of espresso, you can use instant coffee. Combine 1 ½ tablespoons of instant coffee and ⅓ cup hot water to replace the 3 shots of espresso in the recipe.
  • Simple syrup is very easy to make at home. If you’re using your own, make that first. It’ll be good for 3-4 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Starbucks makes theirs with a splash of milk (about ¼ cup) but feel free to add a little more to your liking.
  • Instead of milk, top off your drink with cold foam!

Questions You May Have

How is the Iced Shaken Espresso different from the Doubleshot on Ice?

This drink basically replaces the Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice, which is no longer on the menu. Compared to the Doubleshot, the Iced Shaken Espresso is made with less simple syrup and one less shot of espresso in the venti size.

How does Starbucks make the drink?

A grande Iced Shaken Espresso at Starbucks is made with 4 pumps of Classic syrup (their simple syrup), 3 shots of classic Starbucks espresso, ice, and a splash of 2% milk.

Can I make this drink with blonde espresso?

Yes! Blonde espresso is a lighter roast and it’s smoother and less intense than dark roast but it has more caffeine.

What can I use if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

Any airtight container will work to shake the drink ingredients together. A jar with a tight lid or a wide-mouth water bottle.

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso copycat drink in a cup.

Related

Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!

Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso

Author: Jee Choe
Skip Starbucks and make this Iced Shaken Espresso copycat recipe at home!
4.8 from 24 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Yield1 serving (16 ounces)

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 3 capsules Nespresso Starbucks espresso (or 3 espresso shots)
  • 3 tablespoons simple syrup
  • 1 cup ice + more if needed
  • ¼ cup 2% milk + more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Put simple syrup, espresso, and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake 10 times.
    Use 3 Nespresso Starbucks espresso pods or pull 3 shots from an espresso machine. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a jar with a tight lid.
  • Pour drink, including the ice, into a cup. Add milk.
    Top off with more ice if needed.

NOTES

  • 1 shot of espresso = 1 Nespresso espresso capsule
  • To make a 16 ounce (grande) of this Iced Shaken Espresso, you’ll need 3 Nespresso espresso or ristretto capsules.
  • With the Vertuo machine capsules, only use espresso capsules and not the coffee capsules that make 7.77 ounces.
  • Any dark roast coffee can be used to make the espresso for this drink but use Starbucks espresso to make it taste more like theirs.
  • Starbucks uses their classic syrup to sweeten this drink, which is a simple syrup. Make a batch of simple syrup and use it all week to make this drink.
  • You can use any milk (plant-based or dairy) but 2% is what Starbucks uses as default.
  • Instead of espresso, you can use instant coffee. Combine 1 ½ tablespoons of instant coffee and ⅓ cup hot water to replace the 3 shots of espresso in the recipe.
  • Simple syrup is easy to make at home by combining a cup of sugar and a cup of water in a saucepan on the stovetop. Heat on low until sugar completely dissolves. Cool and pour into an airtight glass container and store in the refrigerator. It’ll be good for 3-4 weeks.
  • Starbucks makes theirs with a splash of milk (about ¼ cup) but feel free to add a little more to your liking.
  • Instead of milk, top off your drink with cold foam.

NUTRITION

Calories: 199 | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 224mg | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 2mg

3 thoughts on “Iced Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)”

  1. 5 stars
    I haven’t tried it but I plan to! I am just curious why your recipe has 199 calories and Starbucks only has 100 for the grande.

    Reply
    • Hi Savanah, the calories shown is an estimate and I’m guessing the simple syrup came out to have more calories than the Starbucks version.

      Reply
4.80 from 24 votes (23 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

RATE THE RECIPE: