Shaken Espresso vs Latte: 10 Major Differences You Must Know

Despite being espresso-based beverages, both shaken espresso and latte are different from each other in many ways.

When espresso lovers visit cafes or coffee shops to enjoy their favorite espresso, they face the situation where they get confused between a shaken espresso and a latte coffee.

In this article, I will tell you the exact differences between a shaken espresso and a latte.

Let’s start.

Overview of shaken espresso

What is a shaken espresso?

A shaken espresso is a coffee beverage prepared by vigorously shaking espresso shots with ice and, in some variations, other ingredients like sweeteners or flavorings.

It is known for its frothy, slightly aerated texture and is a popular alternative to traditional iced espresso drinks. Shaken espresso is often served in a chilled glass, making it a refreshing and energizing choice, particularly in warmer weather.

 

More information about shaken espresso

1) Origin

Iced shaken espresso has its origins in the Italian tradition of serving espresso over ice. It has been popular in Italy for a long time, especially during the warmer months when people seek a cooler and more refreshing coffee option.

2) Preparation Variations

Some coffee shops use a cocktail shaker to prepare shaken espresso, while others use a specialized cocktail shaker designed for coffee beverages. The type of shaker can influence the final texture and frothiness of the drink.

3) Flavor Enhancements

Apart from sweeteners and flavorings, some variations include adding a small amount of citrus zest (e.g., lemon or orange peel) to give the drink a subtle citrusy note. This addition can provide a refreshing twist to the flavor.

4) Double-Straining

Sometimes, the shaken espresso is double-strained to remove ice chips and ensure a smoother, less diluted beverage. This is especially common when it’s served in a more upscale or refined setting.

5) Temperature Considerations

Maintaining proper temperature control is crucial to balance the cooling effect of the ice with the robustness of the espresso. It’s important to achieve the ideal balance between the two.

6) Sweetened Variations

Popular sweetened variations of shaky espresso:

1) Honey Shakerato: Made with espresso, honey, and ice, this version offers a natural sweetness and a milder coffee flavor.

2) Vanilla Shakerato: This variation incorporates vanilla syrup for a smooth, sweet, and slightly creamy taste.

7) Serving Styles

Shaken espresso can be served in different glassware, such as rock glasses, shot glasses, or even martini glasses, depending on the presentation preferences of the coffee shop.

What is the process of making an iced shaken espresso?

To make an iced shaken espresso, you’ll need to:

• Pull one or more shots of espresso.
• Add ice to a shaker, then pour the espresso over the ice.
• Optionally, add sweeteners, flavorings, or other ingredients.
• Vigorously shake the mixture until it’s well-chilled.
• Strain the shaken espresso into a glass and enjoy.

Overview of Latte

What is a latte?

A latte, short for “caffè latte” in Italian, is a popular coffee beverage that consists of espresso and steamed milk.

It’s known for its creamy and smooth texture and is a staple in coffee shops around the world.

The foundation of a latte is one or more shots of espresso. Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. It is known for its bold, rich, and slightly bitter flavor.

The espresso is combined with steamed milk. Steaming milk involves heating it with a steam wand on an espresso machine, creating a creamy, velvety texture. The amount of milk used can vary, but a common ratio is one-third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk.

 

More information about latte

1) Origin

The term “latte” is derived from the Italian caffè latte, which means “milk coffee.” Lattes have their roots in Italy, where they were traditionally prepared as a simple mixture of espresso and steamed milk. The modern latte, as known today, has evolved from this Italian tradition.

2) Preparation

A classic latte is made by combining a shot or shots of espresso with steamed milk. The proportion of milk to espresso can vary, but a typical ratio is about 1:3 (1 part espresso to 3 parts milk).

Steamed milk is prepared by heating and frothing milk using a steam wand on an espresso machine. This frothing process creates a creamy, velvety texture in the milk.

3) Flavor Profile

Lattes have a balanced flavor profile, with the espresso’s strong, robust, and slightly bitter notes complemented by the creamy, mild sweetness of the steamed milk.
Lattes are often enjoyed for their smooth and creamy texture, making them a popular choice for those who find straight espresso too intense.

4) Variations

1) Flavored Lattes: Many coffee shops offer flavored lattes by adding syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice or peppermint.

2) Iced Lattes: Lattes can be served over ice, providing a refreshing option for warm weather.

3) Caffe Mocha: A mocha latte combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, resulting in a sweet and indulgent coffee treat.

4) Café au Lait: While similar to a latte, a café au lait is typically prepared with brewed coffee instead of espresso.

5) Presentation

Lattes are often presented in large, bowl-shaped cups or glasses to accommodate the espresso and milk ratio. Some coffee shops may create latte art on the surface of the drink by skillfully pouring the steamed milk.

What is the process of making a latte coffee?

To make a latte coffee, you’ll need to:

• Brew one or more shots of espresso (using an espresso machine or other methods).
• Steam milk using a milk frother or steam wand until it’s creamy and velvety.
• Pour the espresso into a cup.
• Gently add the steamed milk to the espresso, holding back the froth with a spoon.
• Optionally, add flavorings or syrups.
• Serve and enjoy your latte coffee.

Shaken espresso vs latte: Quick comparison

1) Base

Shaken Espresso

A shaken espresso primarily consists of espresso shots as its base. Espresso is known for its strong, robust, and slightly bitter flavor, making it the dominant element in this coffee beverage.

Latte

It combines espresso shots with steamed milk as its base. The milk dilutes the coffee’s strength, resulting in a milder and creamier flavor profile.

2) Temperature Sensation

Shaken Espresso

It is cold or over ice, providing a cooling and invigorating sensation. The cold temperature complements the intensity of the espresso flavor.

Latte

It is traditionally served hot, delivering a comforting and warming sensation. Iced lattes, however, provide a refreshing contrast on warm days.

3) Milk

Shaken Espresso

It has minimal to no milk content. It is also not considered a milk-based coffee beverage, and the focus is on the espresso and any optional flavorings.

Latte

The essence of a latte is the inclusion of steamed milk, which comprises a significant portion of the drink. The milk provides a creamy, velvety texture and a sweeter, milder coffee flavor.

4) Sweeteners

Shaken Espresso

The sweeteners are optional in shaken espresso and can include sugar, syrups, or flavorings. The decision to sweeten the drink is a matter of personal preference.

Latte

It is commonly sweetened with sugar, syrups, or flavorings, making it a versatile canvas for a wide range of flavor combinations, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.

5) Coffee Strength

Shaken Espresso

It is known for its strong and intense coffee flavor due to its concentrated espresso shots. The coffee’s strength is one of its defining features.

Latte

It offers a milder coffee flavor compared to shaken espressos. The presence of steamed milk tempers the intensity of the espresso, resulting in a balanced and smoother taste.

6) Caffeine Content

Shaken Espresso

It has a higher caffeine content due to the concentrated espresso shots used as the base. They are an energizing choice for those seeking a caffeine boost.

Latte

It contains a moderate amount of caffeine, as they incorporate espresso but also a significant quantity of steamed milk. The caffeine level is lower than that of a shaken espresso.

7) Taste Profile

Shaken Espresso

It is known for its bold, robust, and concentrated coffee flavor. The espresso shots provide a strong and slightly bitter taste, with rich notes of roasted coffee beans. The flavor is intensified by the rapid chilling process through shaking.

Latte

It offers a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The espresso’s strong coffee flavor is complemented by the sweet and creamy qualities of the steamed milk. Lattes are characterized by a mild sweetness and a smoother coffee taste.

8) Texture

Shaken espresso

It has a frothy and aerated texture due to the vigorous shaking with ice. This texture enhances the overall sensory experience, making it refreshing and unique.

Latte

It has a creamy and velvety texture, courtesy of the steamed milk. The milk’s frothiness creates a luxurious mouthfeel and adds a pleasant creaminess to the beverage.

9) Presentation

Shaken Espresso

It is often served in a chilled glass or cup, showcasing its frothy texture and visually appealing layers. They may be garnished with a coffee bean or a twist of citrus peel for added visual flair.

Latte

It is typically presented in larger, bowl-shaped cups or glasses, allowing for the espresso and steamed milk mixture. Lattes may also feature latte art, where skilled baristas create intricate designs on the drink’s surface, adding an artistic touch.

10) Serving Styles

Shaken Espresso

It is usually straightforward and comes in a single style. While they can be customized with sweeteners or flavorings, their core preparation remains consistent, focusing on the espresso and ice.

Latte

It is highly versatile and comes in various styles. They can be tailored to individual preferences by using different types of milk (e.g., whole, skim, non-dairy alternatives), syrups (e.g., vanilla, caramel), and even seasonal flavors. This adaptability makes lattes a favorite for those who appreciate customization.

Latte or shaken espresso: Which should you choose?

After knowing the differences between a latte and a shaken espresso, you may get confused while choosing between them.

Here are the points that you can consider:

Choose Shaken Espresso If:

• You prefer a strong coffee flavor.
• You like frothy, icy texture.
• You want minimal milk.
• You need a caffeine boost.

Choose Latte If:

• You prefer a balanced, creamy coffee.
• You like customization.
• You appreciate hot coffee.
• You enjoy latte art.

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with the comparison between a latte coffee and a shaken espresso.

In summary, a shaken espresso is the go-to option if you crave an intense, bold coffee flavor with a frothy, chilled texture. It’s a quick and refreshing choice, known for its minimal milk content and strong coffee presence.

On the other hand, a latte is perfect if you prefer a balanced, creamy coffee with a milder taste. Lattes are highly customizable, allowing you to choose from various milk types and flavorings.

It is often served hot or iced and frequently features intricate latte art, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a comforting and personalized coffee experience.

FAQs

1) Can you make an iced latte without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can make an iced latte without an espresso machine. One common method is to brew a strong cup of coffee (using methods like a French press, AeroPress, or pour-over), let it cool, and then pour it over ice. Add your choice of milk and any desired flavorings or sweeteners, and you have an iced latte.

2) What is the hot equivalent of a shaken espresso?

The hot equivalent of a shaken espresso is typically referred to as a “Caffè Shakerato.” While a shaken espresso is made by shaking espresso shots with ice to create a frothy and chilled coffee beverage, a Caffè Shakerato involves a similar process but without the ice, resulting in a frothy and chilled espresso that’s not cold.

3) Which is a stronger latte or a shaken espresso?

In terms of coffee strength, a shaken espresso is typically stronger than a latte. A shaken espresso is made with a higher concentration of espresso shots, resulting in a more intense and robust coffee flavor. In contrast, a latte is a milder coffee beverage made by mixing espresso shots with a larger quantity of steamed milk, which dilutes the coffee taste. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, a shaken espresso is the better choice.

4) What are the other names of shaken espresso coffee?

Another name for a shaken espresso is “Espresso Shakerato.” The term “Shakerato” is commonly used to describe a coffee beverage that involves shaking espresso shots with ice and potentially other ingredients to create a frothy, chilled coffee drink. This name is often used in coffee shops and by coffee enthusiasts to describe this refreshing and energetic coffee preparation method.

5) Do you need to stir a shaky espresso?

No, you do not typically need to stir a shaken espresso. This coffee is intended to have a frothy and aerated texture achieved through vigorous shaking with ice and other ingredients. Stirring it afterward is not necessary and may disrupt the desired texture and presentation. Enjoy it as-is for the full experience.

6) How many pumps are in a shaken espresso coffee?

In a traditional shaken espresso, you generally don’t use “pumps” as you would with flavored syrups in other coffee drinks. This coffee is made by shaking espresso shots with ice to create a frothy and refreshing coffee beverage. It’s generally not sweetened with pumps of syrup. If you prefer a sweetened version, you can add flavored syrup according to your taste, but there is no standard number of pumps for a shaken espresso.