Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso

The Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso is a delightful fusion of rich, autumnal flavors and invigorating coffee. Freshly brewed espresso is chilled and aerated by shaking it vigorously with ice and a maple-pecan syrup, creating a beautiful foam. Poured into a tall glass, it's then topped with creamy oat milk, resulting in a stunning layered effect and a perfectly balanced, dairy-free treat for any time of day.
Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a modern coffee drink. It follows the contemporary trend of "shaken espresso" beverages popularized by major coffee chains. Its complex, layered flavor profile places it firmly in the category of modern café creations rather than traditional coffee preparations.

Serving

Served cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass to showcase its layers, this is a non-alcoholic coffee drink. The large glass accommodates plenty of ice and the creamy oat milk topping.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Inspired by the seasonal flavors of autumn and the rise of specialty iced coffee, this drink is a product of modern café culture. The "shaken espresso" technique, which cools and adds texture to the coffee, gained massive popularity in the 2020s. Combining this method with the classic pairing of maple and pecan was a natural evolution, creating a sophisticated and comforting drink that feels both new and familiar.
Origin
This drink is a contemporary creation originating from North American coffee shop culture in the late 2010s or early 2020s. It doesn't have a single inventor but evolved from the trend of flavored lattes and the popularization of the shaken espresso method.

Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso

This drink is consistently known by its descriptive name, "Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso". Variations like "Maple Pecan Iced Shaken Espresso" simply describe the same concept. The name clearly communicates the core flavors and preparation method.
Original name
Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso
Alternative names
  • Maple Pecan Iced Shaken Espresso
  • Shaken Maple Pecan Oat Milk Espresso

Characteristics overview

This drink features a delightful aroma of roasted coffee and toasted maple pecan, with a creamy, frothy texture. The flavor is a balanced dance between the bitterness of espresso and the sweet, nutty notes of the syrup, making it a refreshing year-round treat with an autumnal feel.
Flavor
Coffee, Sweet, Nutty, Maple, Toasted, Creamy
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Maple syrup, Toasted pecans, Sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering coffee, Sweet maple
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, Dark brown base, Creamy beige top, Frothy head
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Frothy, Lightly aerated
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round, Autumnal

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is prominently sweet and creamy, with a moderate bitterness from the espresso providing balance. This is a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage with a rich, indulgent profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need freshly brewed espresso, maple pecan syrup, and creamy oat milk. Plenty of ice is essential for both shaking and serving the drink.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    Two shots, freshly brewed and hot.
  • Maple Pecan Syrup22 ml / 0.75 oz
    Store-bought or homemade. Adjust to desired sweetness.
  • Oat Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Barista-style oat milk will provide the best froth and creaminess. Unsweetened is recommended.
  • Ice CubesAbout 2 cups
    For shaking and serving.
  • Toasted Pecans1 teaspoon, crushed(optional)
    For garnish. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The primary piece of equipment is a cocktail shaker to aerate and chill the espresso. You will also need an espresso machine and standard measuring tools.
  • Cocktail Shaker: For shaking and chilling the espresso.
  • Espresso Machine or Moka Pot: For brewing the coffee base.
  • Jigger or Measuring Spoons: For measuring syrup and milk.

Instructions

The process involves brewing fresh espresso, combining it with syrup, then shaking it with ice until foamy. This mixture is strained into an ice-filled glass and topped with oat milk for a layered finish.
1. Brew two shots of hot espresso directly into your cocktail shaker or a small cup.
2. Add the maple pecan syrup to the hot espresso and stir briefly to combine.
3. Fill the cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and the espresso is well-chilled and foamy.
5. Fill your serving glass with fresh ice cubes.
6. Strain the shaken espresso mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
7. Slowly pour the oat milk over the top to create a distinct layered effect.
8. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of crushed toasted pecans adds a wonderful aromatic layer and a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy drink.
  • Crushed Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle on top of the final drink for aroma and texture.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and nuts (pecans). However, when made with oat milk, it is typically dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free (check oat milk label), vegan, and vegetarian.
Contains alcohol
Caffeine-free
Dairy-free
Egg-free
Soy-free
Nut-free
Gluten-free
Vegan-friendly
Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the carbohydrates and sugars in the syrup and oat milk. The exact nutritional value will vary based on the specific products used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-30g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20-25g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile drink is perfect as a morning starter or an afternoon energizer. It also serves as a wonderful accompaniment to brunch or a light, satisfying dessert beverage.
  • Morning Coffee
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
  • Brunch
  • Dessert Drink

Pairing suggestions

This coffee drink pairs beautifully with a variety of breakfast pastries and light baked goods. The sweetness complements items like flaky croissants, scones, or crumbly coffee cake. Simple cookies like biscotti or shortbread are also excellent companions for dipping and enjoying.
  • Croissants or Scones
  • Biscotti
  • Coffee Cake
  • Shortbread Cookies

The Art of the Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso

The Toasted Maple Pecan Shaken Espresso is a testament to the creativity of modern coffee culture. It transforms a simple iced coffee into a multi-sensory experience with its layered appearance, frothy texture, and complex flavor profile. The balance of bitter espresso against the sweet, nutty duo of maple and pecan, all mellowed by creamy oat milk, makes it an incredibly popular and satisfying non-alcoholic beverage. Easy to prepare at home, it offers a café-quality treat for any coffee lover.

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