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Hazelnut Shaken Espresso

This recipe delivers the signature Starbucks favorite in minutes, but better and cheaper. You get a smooth, creamy drink with real espresso depth and the nutty sweetness that makes this coffee feel indulgent rather than just caffeinated.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces espresso shots freshly pulled
  • 1.5 tablespoons hazelnut syrup
  • 4 ounces 2% milk or whole milk
  • 1 cup ice cubes packed
  • 0.5 tablespoon vanilla syrup optional, for depth
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Espresso machine or moka pot
  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with tight-fitting lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Strainer or fine mesh sieve
  • Tall glass or coffee cup
  • Bar spoon or long spoon for stirring
  • Ice maker or ice tray

Method
 

  1. Pull 2 double shots of espresso into a small cup or shot glass. If you use a Moka pot instead of an espresso machine, brew it to get 2 ounces of concentrated coffee, which gives you similar strength and body.
  2. Pour 1.5 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup into your cocktail shaker or Mason jar. Starting with the syrup in the shaker helps it dissolve better and distribute evenly throughout the drink.
  3. Carefully pour the freshly pulled espresso into the shaker with the hazelnut syrup. The hot espresso will warm the shaker slightly, which is fine, and helps the syrup dissolve completely.
  4. Pour 4 ounces of cold milk into the shaker. Cold milk cools down the espresso and creates the base for your drink.
  5. If using vanilla syrup, add 0.5 tablespoon now. This extra layer of flavor makes the drink taste more complex and less one-dimensional.
  6. Sprinkle in a tiny pinch of salt to the shaker. This enhances the hazelnut and espresso flavors in a way that's subtle but noticeable.
  7. Add about 1 cup of packed ice to the shaker, then secure the lid tightly. The ice chills the drink while you shake it, creating that signature cold, creamy texture.
  8. Shake the mixture hard for 10 to 12 seconds. Vigorous shaking aerates the espresso and creates a natural foam on top, which gives the drink its signature creamy mouthfeel.
  9. Use a strainer to pour the shaken mixture into a tall glass, leaving the ice in the shaker. This separates the drink from the diluted ice and gives you the perfect consistency.
  10. Add fresh ice to your glass and serve right away. The drink is best enjoyed immediately while the foam is still intact and the chill is at its peak.

Notes

Shake hard and fast for a full 10 to 12 seconds; most people don't shake long enough, which is why their drink tastes thin. The vigorous shaking is what creates that signature creamy texture and natural foam. Use freshly pulled espresso whenever possible. This drink is best consumed immediately, but you can store any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.