Ina Garten’s Vanilla Coffee Shakerato Copycat Recipe

Ina Garten's Vanilla Coffee Shakerato is the perfect iced coffee drink to indulge in when you’re craving something cold, creamy, and sweet with a rich coffee flavor. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic iced coffee, made with espresso, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of vanilla. Shaken with ice to perfection, this drink is frothy, smooth, and satisfying. Ideal for warm afternoons or as a sweet pick-me-up, Ina's shakerato is a delightful treat that combines the best of coffeehouse flavors with the ease of making it at home.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

What makes this Vanilla Coffee Shakerato stand out is its simplicity and elegance. The combination of espresso and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, creamy base that’s balanced by a touch of vanilla and simple syrup. Shaking it with ice gives the drink a frothy, refreshing texture, making it feel like a luxurious coffeehouse creation, but with minimal effort. Whether you're an iced coffee aficionado or just looking for a new way to enjoy your espresso, this is the perfect drink for any coffee lover.

What Is Ina Garten’s Vanilla Coffee Shakerato?

Ina Garten’s Vanilla Coffee Shakerato is a frothy, chilled espresso drink made by shaking together espresso, sweetened condensed milk, simple syrup, and vanilla extract with ice. The result is a creamy, frothy coffee drink that’s perfect for hot days or whenever you need an extra boost. The simple ingredients come together to create a sweet and velvety coffee experience, ideal for sipping on its own or paired with a light dessert.

Cooking Tips

• Use freshly brewed espresso: The flavor of this drink is heavily dependent on the espresso, so use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for the best result.
• Adjust the sweetness: The amount of simple syrup and sweetened condensed milk can be adjusted based on your preferred level of sweetness. Add more syrup for a sweeter drink or less for a more balanced flavor.
• Shake well: For the perfect frothy texture, be sure to shake the mixture for a full 30 seconds. This helps incorporate air and ice into the drink, creating a velvety smooth texture.
• Choose the right glass: Serve this shakerato in a glass that can hold plenty of ice—ideally an 8-ounce glass so you have room for the coffee and ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee. Make sure it’s a good quality coffee and brewed strongly to maintain the rich coffee flavor.

Can I make this drink without simple syrup?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can omit the simple syrup or reduce the amount. The sweetened condensed milk already adds some sweetness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While the shakerato is best served fresh and frothy, you can brew the coffee and prepare the syrup ahead of time. Just combine the ingredients and shake when you're ready to serve.

Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version, like coconut milk or almond milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

How long will the shakerato last in the fridge?

For the best experience, it’s best to enjoy the shakerato immediately. The frothy texture won’t hold up well in the fridge, but you can refrigerate it for a couple of hours and stir it before serving if necessary.

How to Store

Store leftover coffee syrup (the mixture before shaking) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to shake or stir it well before serving.

How to Freeze

You can freeze leftover coffee syrup in an ice cube tray for future use. Once frozen, store the cubes in a zip-lock bag. When you're ready for another shakerato, blend a few cubes with fresh espresso and ice for a quick treat.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup espresso or strong coffee (regular or decaf)
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups ice cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions