Not too long ago, we introduced you to the espresso martini, a boozy yet energising cross between coffee and alcohol, which is prepared by shaking. It is one of the staple techniques used in bartending, to mix, chill, aerate and dilute cocktails.

(Photo credits: Tidymom.net)

 

Even without alcohol, shaking can be employed in a variety of beverages to create unique drinks. You guessed that right, this technique can be used to shake up your coffee game!

 

 (Photo Credits: Nature Zen)

 

  The Shakerato

(Photo Credits: Kike Salazar N)

 

This is a classic espresso-based drink that is popular in Italy. It made with only three ingredients – espresso, sugar, and ice. Shaking the ingredients together transforms the hot espresso into a refreshing, chilly beverage which adds extra kick to your pick-me-up. The shaking also adds complexity to the beverage, which will manifest as an even thicker layer of “crema” than in the original espresso. Best of all, the espresso is mellowed slightly, allowing for nuanced flavour notes to be detected much easier!

To make a shakerato, you will need the following:

1. Double espresso (~45ml)
2. Sugar or sugar syrup (~5g)
3. Ice
4. Cocktail Shaker

 Steps to make a shakerato:

1. Dissolve sugar in espresso if you don’t have sugar syrup.
2. Place espresso, sugar in cocktail shaker and fill with ice.
3. Seal the shaker and immediately shake hard and fast for about 10 seconds. Do not wait too long as the crema will dissipate as ice melts!
4. Strain into a fancy glass. Coupettes and martini glasses are often used for aesthetics and to get a good nose from the espresso. 

 

Coffee Milk Shake

 (Photo Credits: Angela Lo)

 

Interestingly, although the name “milkshake” suggests that milk is shaken, many cafes and restaurants use a blender to blend ice cream. The classic milkshake is a smooth and decadent drink, but have you taken a milkshake for its literal meaning? Give this recipe a try. It’s both fun to make and delicious!

 When you shake milk vigorously, air bubbles are incorporated into the milk, creating a velvety, foamy texture, much like cappuccino foam! Additionally, the aeration stretches your espresso and the milk binds harsh flavors, allowing you to taste the brighter flavors in espresso!

 To make one serving of this coffee milk shake, you will need the following:

1. Double espresso (~45ml)
2. Cold Milk (Whole, Oat or Soy) (~200ml)
3. Sugar or sugar syrup(~15g)
4. A vessel that is double the volume or more than the serving you’re preparing. If you have a carton of milk that is almost finished, you can easily make this milkshake!

 Steps to prepare the coffee milk shake:

1. Dissolve sugar in espresso if you don’t have sugar syrup. Add all ingredients into the vessel
2. Shake vigorously until the splashing sound becomes dampened. It could take in between 1-3 minutes, depending on the strength of your shake. It’s time to work those arms!
3. Pour out into a glass and add ice if desired.

 

Espresso foam latte

 

(Photo Credits: Oana Cristina)

 

This one’s a reinterpretation of milk foam which is present in almost all bubble tea shops. It’s prepared very similarly to the coffee milk shake, except that you will be using heavy cream. By rapidly shaking the heavy cream and espresso, the aeration achieved will allow the espresso foam to become less dense than milk. When poured over milk, the espresso foam will form a beautiful and distinct layer. You can even use the foam to top off an iced latte, for an extra dessert-y kick!

 To prepare about 4 servings of espresso foam, you will need:

1. Double espresso (~45ml)
2. Heavy Cream (~150ml)
3. Sugar or sugar syrup (~20g)
4. A vessel that is double the volume or more than the serving you’re preparing. If you have just finished a carton of milk or cream, it might be the best time to make this foam!

 Steps to prepare this foam:

1. Prepare an iced latte or milk up to three quarters of a glass.
2. Dissolve sugar in double espresso and cool before adding to the heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously and stop when the splashing sound becomes dampened. It could take in between 1-3 minutes. The foam should be thick and viscous. Be careful though, over shaking can make the heavy cream hard!
4. Pour it over the iced beverage and watch the layer of espresso foam float nicely!

** This foam is best kept chilled and lasts about a day.

 

All the recipes above use only 3 ingredients but they have varying textures, allowing you to be creative. That is the true power of shaking! It is time to unleash your coffee bartender and tone your arms. You can add liquers and syrups for a boozy/ flavorful twist to these drinks and follow these tips to make an instagrammable coffee. Happy experimenting and remember to share your creations and tag @jjroyalcoffeesg on Instagram and Facebook!