Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso blends espresso, chocolate malt and almond milk into a smooth, lightly frothed iced beverage. It works with an espresso machine or with instant coffee for a quick at-home version.
This recipe is aimed at dark chocolate lovers: imagine chilled melted dark chocolate with subtle nutty undertones and a gentle coffee background. The espresso is less pronounced than in some shaken espresso drinks because the malted chocolate powder brings a rich, rounded chocolate flavor.
The result is delicious and not overly sweet—perfect if you want a chocolate-forward coffee drink that’s balanced and refreshing.
What is a shaken espresso?
A shaken espresso is espresso combined with flavorings, ice and milk (dairy or plant-based), then vigorously shaken by hand until slightly frothy. It’s an easy way to chill and aerate espresso, creating a bright, textured iced drink.
Use a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid to shake the drink.
Ingredients
Chocolate malt powder. Any chocolate malt powder you like will work.
Espresso. Brew with filtered water for the best clarity and flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, substitute with instant coffee (about 1 teaspoon instant coffee per 1/4 cup water).
Almond milk. Unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond milk is recommended—vanilla enhances the chocolate and adds depth. Use sweetened almond milk if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Ice. Use filtered water for clearer, better-tasting ice cubes.
How much chocolate malt powder should I add?
Chocolate malt powder already carries some sweetness. Adjust to taste:
- Standard (tall): 3 tablespoons for a balanced chocolate, malt and coffee flavor.
- Stronger chocolate malt: add an extra tablespoon (4 tbsp total).
- Lighter: reduce to 2 tablespoons.
- For extra sweetness, stir in 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (or 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar) before shaking.
Is chocolate malt powder vegan?
Not all chocolate malt powders are vegan—many include milk powder. If you need a vegan option, check labels or make a simple homemade version using cocoa, malt powder and sugar.
Homemade chocolate malt powder for one serving:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon malt powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Mix well and use immediately as a vegan-friendly substitute.
How to make it
This drink comes together quickly:
- Brew two espresso shots (about 60 ml total).
- In a mason jar or any jar with a tight lid, add chocolate malt powder and ice to fill the jar, then pour in the espresso.
- Close the lid and shake vigorously for about 1 minute, until the powder dissolves and the espresso becomes lightly frothy.
- Pour the shaken espresso into a tall glass, add more ice if desired, then top with 1/3 cup almond milk and serve immediately.
Tips for the best shaken espresso
- For a close copycat flavor, use a blonde espresso roast when brewing.
- Make ice and brew with filtered water for cleaner taste and clearer ice.
- Shake the espresso, chocolate malt powder and ice vigorously for at least one minute to fully dissolve the powder and create froth.
- If your almond milk doesn’t mix well with coffee, shake all ingredients together (including milk) to combine evenly.
Recipe
Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chocolate malt powder
- 2 espresso shots (about 60 ml)
- 1/3 cup almond milk
- Ice
Instructions
- Brew 2 shots of espresso.
- In a mason jar or any jar with a lid, add chocolate malt powder and enough ice to fill the jar, then pour in the espresso shots.
- Close the jar and shake vigorously for about 1 minute, until the powder dissolves and the mixture is slightly frothy.
- Pour into a tall glass, add more ice if needed, top with almond milk, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a closer copycat flavor, brew with a blonde espresso roast.
- Use filtered water for brewing and for ice cubes.
- If almond milk separates from coffee, shake all ingredients together including the milk.
- No espresso machine? Use 1 teaspoon instant coffee dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water; flavor will differ from espresso.
- To make a quick vegan chocolate malt powder: mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon malt powder and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.