Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso

This beverage is a delightful sensory experience, marrying the robust, bitter notes of freshly brewed espresso with the deep, caramel-like sweetness of pure maple syrup. A dash of cinnamon adds a layer of warm, comforting spice that complements the coffee beautifully. The key to its unique character is the vigorous shaking with ice, which simultaneously chills the drink and aerates it, creating a light, velvety foam on top for a luxurious texture.
Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso is classified as an iced coffee drink. It falls into the broader category of modern coffee shop beverages, distinct from traditional hot coffees or classic cocktails. Its preparation method, involving shaking, borrows from mixology techniques.

Serving

Serve this cold, frothy drink in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice to showcase its layers. It is a completely non-alcoholic beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the classic Italian "Caffè Shakerato" (shaken espresso and sugar) has existed for decades, this variation is a product of modern North American coffee culture. Popularized by major coffee chains in the 2010s, it incorporates regional flavors like maple syrup. This evolution reflects a trend of applying cocktail-making techniques to create more complex and textural non-alcoholic coffee beverages.
Origin
This drink is a contemporary creation originating from North American coffee shop culture, likely in the United States or Canada. It rose to prominence in the 2010s as part of the third-wave coffee movement's focus on innovative recipes and quality ingredients.

Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso

This drink is commonly known by its descriptive name, "Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso." Alternative names like "Maple Spice Shaken Espresso" simply broaden the spice element, while others might specify its iced nature more directly.
Original name
Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso
Alternative names
  • Maple Spice Shaken Espresso
  • Cinnamon Maple Iced Shaken Espresso

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a rich coffee aroma with notes of sweet maple and warm cinnamon, leading to a balanced sweet and bitter taste. Its texture is delightfully light and frothy from being shaken, making it a refreshing treat for any season, especially autumn.
Flavor
Coffee, Maple, Sweet, Cinnamon, Spiced, Rich, Aromatic
Aroma
Coffee, Cinnamon, Sweet, Maple
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering coffee, Gentle sweetness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Dark brown, Light brown frothy top, Opaque
Texture
Frothy, Light, Smooth, Icy, Aerated
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Autumnal

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a pleasant sweetness from maple syrup and a mild bitterness from the espresso. It is non-alcoholic, not carbonated, and features a light creaminess from the milk and frothy texture.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a double shot of fresh espresso, pure maple syrup for sweetness, a pinch of ground cinnamon for spice, and milk of your choice to top it off. Plenty of ice is essential for both shaking and serving.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz (double shot)
    Freshly brewed espresso is highly recommended for the best flavor and crema, which contributes to the froth.
  • Pure Maple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste. Grade A Amber is a good choice for a balanced flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon1 pinch
    Plus more for garnish. A cinnamon stick can also be used to stir and infuse flavor.
  • Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Whole milk, 2% milk, or a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk work well.
  • Ice CubesAs needed
    For shaking and for serving.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment needed is a cocktail shaker to achieve the signature frothy texture. You will also need an espresso machine or similar coffee brewer and measuring tools for consistency.
  • Cocktail shaker with strainer: For chilling and frothing the espresso.
  • Espresso machine: To brew the espresso. Alternatively, a Moka pot or AeroPress can be used.
  • Jigger or measuring spoons: For accurate measurement of liquids.

Instructions

The process involves brewing fresh espresso and shaking it immediately with maple syrup, cinnamon, and ice to create a frothy base. This is then strained over fresh ice, topped with milk, and garnished.
1. Brew a double shot of hot, fresh espresso.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
3. Immediately pour the hot espresso, maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon into the ice-filled shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The shaker should become very cold and you should hear the ice breaking down slightly.
5. Fill your serving glass (e.g., a Highball) with fresh ice cubes.
6. Strain the frothy, chilled espresso mixture from the shaker into the glass over the fresh ice.
7. Slowly top with your choice of milk, pouring it over the espresso.
8. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of the foam.
9. Serve immediately with a straw if desired.

Garnishing

A simple sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the frothy top is the perfect garnish, enhancing the drink's aroma just before the first sip.
  • Sprinkle of ground cinnamon: Lightly dust the top of the drink's foam for aroma and visual appeal.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and, in its standard preparation, dairy. However, it can easily be made dairy-free and vegan by substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative like oat, almond, or soy milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, with most calories coming from the carbohydrates and sugar in the maple syrup and milk. The exact nutritional value will vary depending on the type of milk and amount of syrup used.
Calories
averagely 120-180 kcal / 502-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 20-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 18-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a versatile drink suitable for any time of day. It serves as an excellent morning starter, an energizing afternoon treat, or a sophisticated addition to a weekend brunch menu.
  • Morning Boost
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
  • Brunch
  • Relaxing Treat

Pairing suggestions

This coffee drink pairs wonderfully with breakfast pastries and baked goods, especially those with complementary flavors. Items like croissants, cinnamon buns, or nutty biscotti are excellent choices. Its autumnal notes also make it a great companion for apple or pecan pie.
  • Croissants
  • Cinnamon Buns
  • Biscotti
  • Apple or Pecan Pie
  • Scones

The Aromatic Delight of the Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso

The Maple Cinnamon Shaken Espresso is a modern, non-alcoholic coffee beverage that perfectly balances flavor and texture. It combines the intensity of espresso with the cozy sweetness of maple syrup and the warmth of cinnamon, creating a profile that is both invigorating and comforting. The shaking technique elevates it from a simple iced coffee to a sophisticated drink with a light, frothy texture. Easy to prepare at home, it offers a coffee-shop quality experience for any occasion.

Similar Drinks

Caffè Shakerato

The classic Italian inspiration, made simply with espresso, sugar (or simple syrup), and ice, shaken and typically served straight up in a cocktail glass without milk.

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