There is something so deeply comforting about a rich, specialty coffee drink, but let’s be real: nobody has time for a multi-step brewing project on a busy morning. We want coffee-shop luxury, and we want it in about two minutes flat. That is exactly why this drink has completely taken over my morning routine. I have been absolutely loving experimenting with fun coffees at home lately, but they absolutely have to be quick to keep up with real life.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The absolute best part about this drink is how low-maintenance it is. There is zero need to stand over a stove making a complicated homemade simple syrup or boiling down ingredients because pure maple syrup does all the heavy lifting here. It dissolves effortlessly into the warm espresso, infusing the entire drink with that cozy, autumnal sweetness. The result is an incredibly tasty, ultra-creamy beverage with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly salty flavor. It genuinely tastes like a fun, sophisticated twist on a classic salted caramel latte. Trust me on this one, your morning routine is about to get a massive upgrade.
How To Make A Shaken Espresso At Home
Getting that beautiful, velvety texture is incredibly simple. Start by grabbing your favorite cocktail shaker or even a tightly sealed mason jar. Add your fresh shot of espresso, the maple syrup, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a handful of ice cubes. Shake it vigorously for about ten to fifteen seconds. You will notice the espresso completely transforms, getting wonderfully chilled and creating a gorgeous, frothy top layer. Strain this beautiful liquid into a fresh glass filled with more ice, and pour over your favorite choice of milk, leaving just enough room at the top for the magic layer.
Whipping Up The Perfect Maple Cold Foam
To elevate this from a great iced coffee to an absolute masterpiece, we top it with a pillowy layer of maple cold foam. In a small glass or measuring cup, combine your heavy cream, milk, a teaspoon of maple syrup, and another tiny sprinkle of sea salt. Grab a handheld milk frother and blend the mixture continuously until it expands, thickens up, and holds a beautiful, voluminous shape. Slowly pour or spoon this decadent, salty-sweet cream right over the top of your shaken espresso. Watch it cascade beautifully down into the milk with every single sip.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Lighten it up: If you want to keep the calories or sugar down while keeping that amazing flavor, you can easily make this lighter by swapping out the pure maple syrup for a sugar free maple syrup alternative.
- Frothing alternative: If you do not own an electric frother, do not panic. You can shake the cold foam ingredients vigorously inside a small, tightly sealed jar for about a minute until it gets thick and frothy.
- Espresso notes: A strong, dark roast espresso works wonderfully here because the bold, roasted notes contrast beautifully against the sweet maple and rich dairy.
More Recipes To Try
If you love elevating your morning routine with delicious drinks and easy treats, check out these other favorites from the blog:
- Get that nostalgic bakery vibe in a cup with a sweet Cereal Milk Iced Latte.
- Double down on the cozy café experience with a Blueberry Pancake Latte with Maple Cold Foam.
- Pair your specialty coffee with these light, fluffy Gluten Free Cottage Cheese Waffles.
- Keep things bright and refreshing with a Creamy Mango Protein Smoothie.
- Prep a sweet, satisfying breakfast ahead of time with these delicious PB&J Oatmeal Bars.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. You can easily adapt the base by using your favorite plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk. For the cold foam, swap the heavy cream and milk for a combination of dairy-free heavy whipping cream alternative and a barista-blend plant milk, which is specially formulated to froth up beautifully.
Do I have to use espresso?
While a freshly brewed shot of espresso gives the most authentic coffee-shop texture and bold flavor, you can substitute it with two ounces of very strongly brewed coffee or even concentrated cold brew warmed up slightly so it melts the syrup easily before shaking. If you want a larger format drink, you could do a strong cold brew shaken using the same method.
What kind of salt is best?
A high-quality fine sea salt or flaky sea salt works best. Avoid standard table salt if possible, as it can taste a bit too harsh. The sea salt brings out the natural mineral notes of the maple syrup perfectly.
Salted Maple Shaken Espresso
Equipment
- Mason Jar
- Handheld Milk Frother
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 shot of espresso or 2 if you like it stronger
- 1/4 cup Milk of choice
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2.5 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Sprinkle of sea salt
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or a clean mason jar, combine the maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt, a freshly brewed shot of espresso, and a handful of ice cubes.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about fifteen seconds until the espresso is thoroughly chilled and a beautiful foam forms on top.
- Fill a fresh, tall serving glass with additional ice cubes and strain the shaken espresso directly over the ice. Depending on how much ice you used, you can use your shaken ice as well (I usually do!).
- Pour in your choice of milk, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the glass for the foam layer.
- In a separate small cup or small measuring pitcher, combine the single tablespoon of milk, heavy cream, teaspoon of maple syrup, and a small sprinkle of sea salt.
- Submerge a handheld electric milk frother into the liquid and turn it on, blending continuously until the mixture thickens, expands, and turns into a luscious, pillowy foam.
- Slowly pour or spoon the freshly whipped maple cold foam over the surface of your shaken espresso and serve immediately. Enjoy!
