Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso Recipe
Craving that perfect balance of sweet caramel and a hint of salt? This Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso Recipe is the homemade Starbucks-style drink you need. It’s smooth, frothy, and surprisingly easy to make in just a few minutes without the café price tag.
By shaking espresso with salted caramel syrup and ice, you create a bold, chilled coffee with a creamy texture. Whether you enjoy dairy milk or prefer plant-based options, this recipe can be customized to your taste.
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Tools for the Perfect Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso
Before you start shaking, gather all your ingredients and tools. High-quality coffee and a quick setup make all the difference.
Ingredient List
Use this table to check off everything you need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly brewed espresso | 2 shots (about 2 oz) | Use a medium or dark roast for rich flavor |
| Salted caramel syrup | 2 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade |
| Milk (dairy or plant-based) | ½ cup | Oat milk is especially creamy |
| Ice cubes | 1 cup | Enough to fill a shaker |
| Sea salt flakes | A pinch | For that perfect salted finish |
| Whipped cream (optional) | To taste | Adds indulgence and café-style presentation |
Equipment Checklist
A few simple tools will help you achieve that professional coffee-house feel:
- Cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a tight lid
- Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tall serving glass
Choosing the Best Coffee Beans
Great espresso is the heart of this drink.
- Pick a medium-to-dark roast for a bold, caramel-friendly flavor.
- Beans with nutty or chocolate notes pair beautifully with caramel.
- Grind your beans fresh if possible for maximum aroma.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso
This drink comes together in less than five minutes. The secret? Shake it vigorously for a frothy, café-quality texture.
Brew and Prepare the Espresso
- Brew 2 shots of espresso (about 2 ounces).
- Let it cool for 1–2 minutes so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
Shake with Caramel and Ice
- Add 2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup to your cocktail shaker.
- Pour in the espresso and 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt.
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is icy and foamy.
Assemble and Serve
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the shaken espresso mixture over the ice.
- Pour in ½ cup of milk (or your favorite plant-based option).
- Optional: Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle for a café-style finish.
Extra Tips & Flavor Variations
- Make it Vegan: Swap dairy milk for oat, almond, or soy milk.
- Extra Sweet: Add a splash of vanilla syrup or more caramel.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free caramel syrup without losing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under five minutes.
- Cost-Effective: Skip the Starbucks line and save money.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, milk type, and salt level to your liking.
Conclusion
With this Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso Recipe, you can bring coffeehouse magic to your own kitchen. Sweet caramel, a pinch of sea salt, and the smooth richness of espresso create a drink that’s refreshing, indulgent, and effortlessly cool.
Give it a try today and share your twist whether it’s an extra caramel drizzle or a dairy-free upgrade in the comments below. Your morning coffee just got a delicious upgrade!
Frequently Asked Questions – Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso Recipe
1. Can I make this drink without an espresso machine?
Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew strong coffee using a French press or an AeroPress. Use about ½ cup of concentrated coffee to match the strength of two espresso shots.
2. What’s the best milk for a Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso?
Any milk works, but oat milk is popular for its creamy texture and natural sweetness. Almond, soy, or regular whole milk are all great options.
3. Can I use homemade caramel syrup?
Absolutely. A simple homemade caramel sauce made with sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt adds an extra layer of freshness to this Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso Recipe.
4. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the salted caramel syrup to 1 tablespoon, or choose a sugar-free caramel syrup. You can also add more ice or extra milk to dilute sweetness slightly.
5. Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed freshly shaken for maximum froth. However, you can brew espresso and chill it in advance. When ready, shake with ice and caramel syrup for the same café-quality result.
6. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes just use plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy) and a vegan caramel syrup. Double-check labels to ensure the caramel is dairy-free.
7. How much caffeine is in this drink?
Two espresso shots typically contain 120–150 mg of caffeine, depending on the beans. If you want less caffeine, use a single shot or choose half-caf espresso beans.
