If you love coffee, caramel, and a little sweet-and-salty magic, this Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso is about to be your new favorite drink!
It’s bold, creamy, perfectly sweet, and tastes just like your favorite coffee shop treat—but better because you made it yourself.
The best part?
It takes just a few minutes to make, and shaking it up gives it that frothy, iced perfection.
Let’s do this!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk work great)
- 1 cup ice
Tools
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid)
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass
- Spoon for drizzling caramel
Pro Tips
✔ Freshly brewed espresso makes all the difference! Use high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
✔ Shake it like you mean it—this creates that creamy, foamy texture you love in coffee shop drinks.
✔ Want it sweeter? Add a little extra caramel or a dash of simple syrup.
✔ Use a mason jar if you don’t have a cocktail shaker! Just screw the lid on tight and shake away.
✔ For a stronger coffee flavor, use three shots instead of two.
Substitutions & Variations
✨ No espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso.
✨ Dairy-free? Oat milk and almond milk work beautifully!
✨ Want extra caramel flavor? Stir caramel directly into the espresso before shaking.
✨ Love it creamier? Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
✨ Less sweet? Reduce the caramel or skip the extra drizzle.
How to Make Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso
1. Brew the Espresso
Pull two shots of espresso using an espresso machine, or brew a strong ½ cup of coffee if you don’t have one.
2. Add Ingredients to a Shaker
In a cocktail shaker (or mason jar), add:
✔ Brewed espresso
✔ 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✔ ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
3. Shake with Ice
Add 1 cup of ice to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and foamy.
4. Pour & Add Milk
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice, then strain the shaken espresso over it. Pour ½ cup of milk on top and watch the beautiful swirls form.
5. Drizzle Caramel & Finish with Sea Salt
Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-salty finish.
Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, keep the shaken espresso (before adding ice and milk) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake again and pour over fresh ice when ready!
Time to Sip & Enjoy!
That’s it—your homemade Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso is ready to enjoy!
So easy, so delicious, and seriously better than the coffee shop version.
Try it out and let me know in the comments how you liked it!
Did you switch up the milk or add extra caramel?
I’d love to hear! 💛☕✨
