Orange & Thyme Shakerato

Name: Orange & Thyme Shakerato
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml (2 oz) Espresso; 15 ml (0.5 oz) Orange & Thyme Simple Syrup; 5-6 Ice Cubes

Ingredients Instructions

The Orange & Thyme Shakerato is an elegant and invigorating alcohol-free beverage that elevates the classic iced coffee experience. By shaking freshly brewed espresso with ice and a homemade orange-thyme simple syrup, it creates a beautifully chilled drink with a rich, velvety foam crown. The citrusy brightness of the orange cuts through the bitterness of the coffee, while thyme adds a subtle, savory herbal complexity. It's a sophisticated and delightful pick-me-up perfect for any time of day.

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as both a modern coffee drink and a coffee-based mocktail. It uses traditional espresso preparation but incorporates contemporary flavor pairings and cocktail techniques, like shaking. Its non-alcoholic nature and sophisticated profile place it firmly in the mocktail category for those seeking a complex alcohol-free option.

Serving

This is a small, cold, non-alcoholic drink best served in a chilled coupe or martini glass to showcase its beautiful foam. No alcohol is present, making it suitable for all.

Serving size

Approximately 150 ml (5 oz)

Alcohol content

0% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Coupe

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

While the classic Caffè Shakerato hails from Italy, this flavored variation is a product of modern third-wave coffee culture and the growing demand for craft mocktails. It likely emerged in specialty coffee shops in the 2010s, where baristas began experimenting with herbal and citrus infusions to create more complex, non-alcoholic coffee options. This specific pairing of orange and thyme reflects a culinary approach to drink-making, borrowing principles from gastronomy to create a balanced and memorable flavor profile.

Origin

This is a modern creation inspired by the classic Italian Caffè Shakerato. It does not have a single point of origin but evolved within the international specialty coffee and mocktail scene, likely around the mid-2010s.

Orange & Thyme Shakerato

The name "Orange & Thyme Shakerato" clearly describes its core components and preparation method. Alternative names like "Iced Orange Thyme Shaken Espresso" are also used, emphasizing the base ingredient and serving temperature. These names are modern descriptors for this non-traditional take on the classic Italian "shakerato".

Original name

Orange & Thyme Shakerato

Alternative names

Iced Orange Thyme Shaken Espresso
Non-Alcoholic Orange Thyme Shakerato
Thyme and Orange Shaken Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a delightful sensory experience with the rich aroma of coffee and citrus, and a frothy texture. The flavor is a balanced interplay of bitter espresso, sweet syrup, bright orange, and an earthy hint of thyme, making it a uniquely refreshing beverage.

Flavor

Coffee, orange, herbal, slightly sweet, citrusy, earthy

Aroma

Rich coffee, orange zest, fresh thyme

Taste balance

Bitter, sweet, citrus

Aftertaste

Clean, lingering coffee, subtle herbal note

Fizziness

None

Color appearance

Dark brown liquid, thick light-brown foam (crema)

Texture

Frothy, foamy, smooth, light-bodied

Seasonality

Refreshing, summery, suitable for year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by the bitterness of the coffee, which is balanced by light sweetness and fruity citrus notes. It is a completely non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drink.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a fresh double shot of espresso, a pre-made orange and thyme simple syrup, and plenty of ice. The quality of the coffee and the freshness of the syrup are key to the final taste.

Espresso60 ml (2 oz)
Freshly brewed double shot is recommended for the best flavor and crema.
Orange & Thyme Simple Syrup15 ml (0.5 oz)
To make, simmer equal parts water and sugar with orange peel and a few thyme sprigs until sugar dissolves. Let cool and strain.
Ice Cubes5-6
For shaking and chilling the drink.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment is a cocktail shaker to vigorously shake and froth the drink. You will also need an espresso machine and a jigger for accurate measurements.

Cocktail shaker with strainer
Espresso machine or moka pot
Jigger or measuring tool
Chilled coupe or martini glass

Instructions

The process is simple: brew fresh espresso, combine it with the flavored syrup and ice in a shaker, and shake vigorously until chilled and frothy. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish.

1. Chill your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.

2. Brew a double shot of fresh espresso directly into your measuring tool or a small cup.

3. Fill a cocktail shaker with 5-6 ice cubes. Pour the hot espresso and the Orange & Thyme simple syrup over the ice.

4. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The shaker should become very cold and you'll feel the liquid emulsify.

5. Strain the contents into your chilled glass, allowing the thick foam to settle on top. Garnish with an orange twist and a fresh thyme sprig.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme and an orange peel twist. Expressing the oils from the orange peel over the drink adds a wonderful aromatic dimension.

Orange Peel Twist: Express the oils over the drink before placing it on the rim or in the glass.
Fresh Thyme Sprig: Place gently on top of the foam for aroma.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from espresso but is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.

✕ 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 content coming almost entirely from the simple syrup. It contains a negligible amount of fat and protein.

Calories

Approximately 45-60 kcal (188-251 kJ)

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 10-14g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 10-14g

Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a sophisticated afternoon pick-me-up, an elegant addition to a brunch menu, or as a refreshing treat on a warm summer day. Its complex flavors make it a great non-alcoholic option for social gatherings.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Brunch
Summer Refreshment

Pairing suggestions

This Shakerato pairs wonderfully with light, crumbly pastries that complement its coffee and citrus notes. Italian biscotti are a classic choice, as are simple shortbread cookies or a delicate lemon tart that echoes the drink's brightness.

Biscotti
Shortbread cookies
Light citrus tarts or scones

The Orange & Thyme Shakerato: An Aromatic Espresso Awakening

The Orange & Thyme Shakerato is a modern, non-alcoholic coffee drink that perfectly balances complexity and refreshment. It transforms a simple espresso into an elegant mocktail through the cocktail technique of shaking, creating a distinctive frothy texture. The infusion of orange and thyme provides a sophisticated flavor profile that is both uplifting and intriguing. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a creative and delicious alternative to standard iced coffee or alcoholic beverages.