It is news to no one that Italians are particular about their coffee.
“Il galateo del caffe” or, Italian coffee etiquette is serious business. I have gotten myself into trouble licking spoons, using the wrong spoon, stirring my caffe’ clockwise, stirring it anti-clockwise, stirring using a movement that swished the caffe’ from the bottom to the top of the cup, blowing on a steaming hot caffe’, pausing too long before finishing my caffe’, drinking water too soon after having a caffe’ … I could go on.
Luckily, I am accustomed to getting myself into trouble, so it all gets laughed off. And, over the years, I have kinda found my coffee groove. In summer, I know that in Liguria you can find cold, caffe’ shakerato, or shaken coffee, and that I know that it is a seasonal winner.
Usually, only served in bars in the warmer months, caffe’ shakerato is exactly what it sounds like, shaken coffee. A strong espresso is loaded into a metal cocktail shaker, along with ice cubes and perhaps some sugar, and is shaken vigorously. What is produced is not just an iced caffe’ but a velvety bevie with a creamy foam, and tiny air bubbles.
Although I usually don’t drink caffe’ with sugar, shakerato is the exception – I like it dolce or zuccherato. Straight up, it seems a bit too punchy, too bitter. Some folks like to embellish their shakerato with a shot of sweet liqueur, a splash of bitter Amaro Avena, or even whipped cream or chocolate, but I prefer something more simple. Ditto, in the presentation: sometimes you will find it in a swanky cocktail or maritini-style glass, but give me a slightly roomier, espresso cup or a squat teacup and I’m happy.
Shaken Coffee ~ Caffe’ Shakerato
Add several ice cubes (3-4 large cubes) and sugar (1 teaspoon per serve) to a cocktail shaker.
Pour over a strong hot espresso (the taste will be diluted by the ice so opt for a double or, a stronger than-your-usual hit).
Place the lid on the shaker and energetically shake for around 20 seconds.
Serve immediately, using the strainer on the cocktail shaker to hold back any remaining pieces of ice.
