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Ingredients
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Coffee
Sweetener & Flavor
Ice & Serving
Method
Brew & Prepare
- 1
Brew espresso
Brew about 3 oz of espresso using your espresso machine. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 3 oz of very strong coffee (use 1 part coffee concentrate to 1 part water) and add up to 1 oz hot water to adjust strength.
- 2
Allow the espresso to rest 20–30 seconds so it is hot but not boiling; this helps with proper shaking and crema formation.
Shake
- 3
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker or Boston shaker, add 1 cup of ice, the 3 oz freshly brewed espresso, 1 tablespoon simple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup if using.
- 4
Shake vigorously
Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to rapidly chill the espresso and create a thick, frothy crema. Use short, strong wrist movements. If you have a double-shake method available, break once, open to check foam, then reseal and shake 5–10 more seconds.
- 5
Strain over glass
Fill a 16 oz serving glass with 1 cup of fresh ice (or leave glass empty for a more concentrated drink). Double-strain the shaken espresso over the ice using the shaker's strainer (or a fine mesh strainer) to catch small ice shards. Pour so the frothy crema sits on top.
Finish & Garnish
- 6
Taste and adjust sweetness. Add an extra 1/2 tablespoon simple syrup if you prefer sweeter. Gently stir once if needed, but avoid breaking too much crema.
- 7