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Modern Coffee Variations

# What Is a Shakerato? How to Make Italian Shaken Espresso

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [Modern Coffee Variations](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/modern-coffee-variations/)Tags: [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/) [Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/espresso/) [Iced Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/iced-coffee/)

## Quick answer

Espresso, **ice** and **a shaker** make a small chilled coffee with a foamy top. A shakerato need not be complicated. Dissolve any **sugar** before shaking and serve it straight away.

## Key takeaways

- Espresso, ice and a shaker make a small chilled coffee with a foamy top.

- Prepare espresso and add it to a cocktail shaker with ice.

- A vigorous shake adds air, while the amount of ice and time in the shaker affect dilution.

 

![Two cups of coffee with different patterns in the milk foam.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/two-milk-coffees.avif)

Two cups of coffee with different patterns in the milk foam.

## Shake and strain

 

Prepare espresso and add it to a cocktail **shaker** with ice. Sweeten while the coffee is warm if you want **sugar** to dissolve easily. Close **the shaker** securely, shake until the drink is cold and foamy, then strain it into a chilled glass so **the serving** ice does not continue to dilute the coffee.

 

## Get the texture you like

 

A vigorous shake adds **air**, while the amount of ice and time in the shaker affect dilution. If the drink tastes watery, chill the glass and serve it promptly; if **the espresso** is too intense, add **a small amount** of sweetener before shaking. Use a shaker intended for food and check that its **lid** is secure before shaking hot coffee with ice.

 

## Shakerato vs. freddo espresso

 

Both are chilled **espresso** drinks, and names can overlap between cafés. A shakerato is defined by the shaking step, while a freddo espresso is commonly described as espresso chilled or shaken over **ice**. Ask the café how it prepares its version. See our guide to [freddo **espresso**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/modern-coffee-variations/freddo-espresso/) for another Greek-style chilled shot.

 

## Control chill and dilution

 

Use cold espresso or let a fresh shot **cool** briefly before shaking; very hot liquid can build pressure in a sealed shaker. Add ice, close **the shaker** securely, and shake only until the drink is chilled and foamy. **Strain** promptly into a chilled glass so **the ice** does not keep melting into the serving.

 

## Serve before the ice waters it down

 

Chill the glass before straining the coffee into it. **The foam** is temporary and the drink will dilute as it stands, so prepare it shortly before **serving**. If you are making more than one, shake each portion separately or use **a shaker** large enough to leave **room** for the ice and liquid to move.

 

Use a cocktail shaker designed for beverages and make sure **the lid** is fully secured. Do not shake hot espresso in a sealed vessel; let it cool enough first. If the drink tastes too strong, add **a small amount** of water or adjust sugar in the next serving rather than shaking for longer. **Rinse** the shaker promptly after use. Serve the drink immediately while the foam is fresh. Follow the shaker maker’s **cleaning** advice, and do not overfill it with ice.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee), see Wikipedia.

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Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

## Related guides

- [What Is a Freddo Espresso? How to Make Greek Iced Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/modern-coffee-variations/freddo-espresso/)

- [Espresso Tonic: How to Make a Refreshing Coffee Drink at Home](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/modern-coffee-variations/espresso-tonic/)

- [Dalgona Coffee: How to Make Whipped Coffee That Holds Its Shape](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/modern-coffee-variations/dalgona-coffee/)