Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso

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Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso | Try my super easy copycat Starbucks iced chocolate almondmilk shaken espresso with the simplest ingredients. Skip the malted milk powder in my homemade version and go straight for dark chocolate almond milk. Top with whipped cream for an extra special touch.

An iced coffee with whipped cream and cacao nibs on top.

This iced coffee is a Starbucks-inspired creation but easier – like the easiest.

Instead of using chocolate malt powder as Starbucks does in their drink, we’re taking a shortcut and using dark chocolate almond milk. My little hack makes this drink super easy because malt powder isn’t at my local shop. Also, this makes my drink safe for people following a gluten-free diet.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to use exactly what Starbucks does to make copycat recipes at home. It’s fine. Enjoy your coffee, live your life!

Chocolate and coffee go together well and this Iced Chocolate Latte is no exception to that rule. If you enjoy iced coffee and also chocolate, you will love this drink.

What does Starbucks put in their Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso?

On its website, Starbucks lists 2 shots of blonde espresso, almond milk, and chocolate malt powder as ingredients in their Tall Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso.

What is shaken espresso?

Shaken espresso is an espresso that is foamed by shaking it with ice. The result is a frothy, creamy coffee. This is good for making cold coffees because it mellows the flavor of the espresso a bit and you don’t need to foam the milk to get a thicker drink.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

espresso: If you order a ‘tall’ size of this drink at Starbucks they’ll add 2 shots of their blonde espresso. I like a medium roast bean so I use a double shot of that for this recipe.
dark chocolate almond milk: I use dark chocolate almond milk instead of the malt powder that Starbucks uses and instead of making chocolate syrup because it’s just the easiest. The Dark Chocolate Almond Milk that I use by Silk is sweetened so I don’t feel the need to add any more sweetener.
ice: You’ll need ice and a large container with a lid like a big mason jar.
whipped topping: this is optional. Starbucks doesn’t add whipped cream to theirs, but I think it makes the drink more fun and tasty as the whipped cream mixes in.

Substitutions

espresso: Don’t have an espresso maker? Try making this recipe using instant coffee as I do in my Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee recipe. Just make it a little stronger than you normally would. You could also brew strong coffee or use a french press or strong pour-over coffee. None of these options are what Starbucks uses, but if you’re looking to make your own homemade version of Starbucks drinks, I think you can use whatever you have on hand. You’ll still get a great-tasting drink.
chocolate almond milk: If you can’t find this in stores, try adding chocolate syrup to regular almond milk to make chocolate almond milk.

Instructions

Prep Tips

Whip the cream first so that you can use your espresso fresh to make the drink.

Whip the cream to soft peaks. I like to use my hand blender. You can skip this step if you prefer.

Pouring espresso onto ice in a tall jar.

Add 1 cup of ice to a large jar that has a lid. Add the espresso.

Shaken espresso in a jar that turns a caramelly color.

Add the lid and shake the espresso and ice for 30-60 seconds, until it’s foamy and a caramelly color.

Pouring the shaken espresso into a glass.

Add more ice to a serving glass and pour in the shaken espresso.

Pouring chocolate almond milk into a glass.

Add the dark chocolate almond milk. You could also add a bit of heavy cream here.

A dollop of whipped cream on top of an iced coffee.

Add a dollop of whipped cream and a straw and then serve! Stir the drink together while you sip.

Tips for making Chocolate Shaken Espresso

thick & rich: for a thicker and more rich drink, add some heavy cream to the glass.
whipped topping: this isn’t necessary as Starbucks doesn’t include it but I think it’s a fun addition. Treat yourself!
shake it: really shake the espresso well with the ice. It’ll go from a dark chocolate color to a lighter caramelly color and be frothy.
add-ins: try adding in a bit of cinnamon or brown sugar for something a little different.

What to serve with an Iced Chocolate Shaken Espresso

I think this iced chocolate coffee would go well with a baked good for a snack during the day. Try my Cinnamon Twists, Earl Grey Scones, or my Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bar.

Try my Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee, my Iced Caramel Latte, or my Iced Dirty Chai Latte recipes for other cold drink ideas.

Storage

Make this drink as needed. You can make the whipped cream earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until needed.

FAQs

Why shake espresso?

Shaking espresso with ice helps mellow the flavor and yields a foam without foaming milk separately.

Can I make this decaffeinated?

Yes for sure, just make sure to use decaf beans or espresso grind.

5 from 2 votes