Mint and Lime Shakerato
The Mint and Lime Shakerato is a vibrant and invigorating take on the classic Italian iced coffee. It combines the robust flavor of freshly brewed espresso with the cool aroma of mint and the sharp zest of lime. Shaken vigorously with ice, the ingredients meld together to create a beautifully frothy and chilled beverage. It is the perfect alcohol-free pick-me-up for a warm afternoon.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This beverage is categorized as an iced coffee drink. It is a non-alcoholic, shaken espresso preparation, placing it firmly within the craft coffee or specialty coffee category. It is essentially a modern, flavored twist on the classic Italian Caffè Shakerato.
Serving
Served cold in a chilled Martini or Coupe glass, this is a relatively small but intensely flavorful drink. It is completely alcohol-free.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass
Backstory
While the classic Caffè Shakerato is a staple in Italian coffee bars, this flavored variation is a more modern creation, born from the global craft coffee movement. Bartenders and baristas began experimenting with cocktail techniques and flavor profiles, leading to infusions like this one. The combination of mint and lime is reminiscent of a Mojito, offering a familiar yet exciting twist to the traditional shaken espresso.
Origin
Italy (as a modern variation of the classic Shakerato), developed in the 21st century.
Mint and Lime Shakerato
The original Italian name is "Shakerato con Menta e Lime," directly translating to "Shaken with Mint and Lime." It is often called a Mint Lime Iced Shaken Espresso for clarity in English-speaking regions. Some refer to it as a non-alcoholic Espresso Mojito due to the shared mint and lime ingredients.
Original name
Shakerato con Menta e Lime
Alternative names
- Mint Lime Iced Shaken Espresso
- Espresso Mojito (Non-alcoholic)
Characteristics overview
This drink boasts a refreshing, citrusy, and minty flavor profile with a robust coffee backbone, complemented by a smooth and frothy texture. Its aroma is an invigorating blend of fresh mint and coffee, making it an ideal summer beverage.
Flavor
Coffee, Minty, Citrusy, Zesty, Sweet, Refreshing
Aroma
Coffee, Fresh mint, Lime zest
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Refreshing, Lingering mint
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Dark brown, Opaque, Thick crema-like foam on top
Texture
Frothy, Smooth, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, Summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is a balanced interplay of coffee's bitterness, simple syrup's sweetness, and lime's tartness, with no alcohol or carbonation. Creaminess is minimal, derived only from the shaken foam.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need a fresh double shot of espresso, simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Plenty of ice is also essential for shaking.
- Double shot of espresso60 ml / 2 ozUse freshly brewed, high-quality espresso
- Simple syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to taste
- Fresh lime juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is best
- Fresh mint leaves6-8 leaves
- Ice cubes1 cupFor shaking
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
The key pieces of equipment are an espresso machine and a cocktail shaker. A strainer is necessary to achieve a smooth texture in the final drink.
- Espresso machine: To brew the espresso
- Cocktail shaker: To combine and chill the ingredients
- Jigger or measuring spoons: For accurate measurement
- Fine-strainer or Hawthorne strainer: To pour the drink while holding back ice and mint leaves
Instructions
The process involves gently muddling mint, adding espresso, lime juice, and syrup to a shaker with ice, then shaking vigorously. Double strain into a chilled glass and garnish before serving.
1. Chill your serving glass (Martini or Coupe) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Brew a double shot of fresh espresso.
3. Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and gently muddle or press them with a spoon to release their oils. Do not shred them.
4. Add the fresh espresso, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes.
6. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the outside is well-chilled and frosty.
7. Discard the ice from your chilled serving glass.
8. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove ice shards and mint pieces, creating a smooth drink with a thick foam on top.
9. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime twist. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an expressed lime twist to enhance the aroma and visual appeal.
- Mint sprig: Place a fresh mint sprig on the foam
- Lime twist: Express the oils over the drink and place on the rim
Dietary Information
This drink is naturally vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It does contain caffeine from the espresso.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a low-calorie drink, with its calories and sugar primarily coming from the simple syrup. The carbohydrate content is also relatively low.
Calories
40-60 kcal / 167-251 kJ (averagely)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
10-15 g (averagely)
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
8-12 g (averagely, mostly from simple syrup)
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect as a sophisticated afternoon pick-me-up or a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day. It also serves as an excellent and unique non-alcoholic option for brunch gatherings.
- Afternoon Pick-me-up
- Summer Refresher
- Brunch
- Coffee Break
Pairing suggestions
It pairs beautifully with light, not-too-sweet desserts like biscotti, almond cake, or fresh fruit tarts. The drink's zesty profile cuts through sweetness, making it a great companion for simple pastries.
- Biscotti
- Light pastries
- Almond cake
- Fresh fruit tarts
The Invigorating Mint and Lime Shakerato
The Mint and Lime Shakerato is a creative, non-alcoholic coffee beverage that offers a sophisticated and refreshing experience. By combining the boldness of espresso with the vibrant flavors of mint and lime using a cocktail shaker, it achieves a unique frothy texture and balanced taste. It is an excellent choice for a summer afternoon, a special brunch, or anytime you desire an invigorating, caffeine-based drink without alcohol. This modern Italian-inspired creation is both easy to make and delightful to drink.
Similar drinks
Alcoholic versions
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