As the sun rises in Italy, a tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee gracefully drifts through the streets. Coffee, an integral part of Italian society and culture, transcends its status as a mere beverage. It serves as a revered ritual, a vehicle for conversation and connection, and as a moment for pause and restoration. While this brew has been experimented with for thousands of years, we wanted to pay homage to one of Italy’s greatest creations, the Shakerato.
Embodying Italian culture at its finest, the Shakerato is a simple creation that has been elevated to an art form. Traditionally, composed of only Espresso and ice, the coffee is meticulously brewed and sweetened to preference, before being carefully shaken with ice. This practice not only chills the coffee, but also aerates it to deliver to impart a frothy, silken texture that leaves the palate yearning for more.
Unlike iced coffee, which may become diluted as ice melts, the Shakerato maintains its robust flavor and pleasingly frothy texture. Its simple elegance encourages you to savor the essence of coffee, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a moment of restorative tranquility and a refreshing taste. Choosing the Shakerato means embracing a rich tradition and enjoying a unique coffee experience.
In homage to this revered cultural symbol, we present two exquisite recipes for your daily drinking rituals. Embracing the Italian philosophy that excessive ice can potentially disrupt digestion, both recipes advocate for the art of shaking to achieve the ideal chill, rather than relying on ice cubes. This method not only ensures a refined balance of flavors but also sidesteps the risk of over-dilution, allowing you to relish your libation to the fullest.
Heels to Jesus
The 'Heels to Jesus' recipe is a delightful fusion of two beloved coffee cocktails, the Espresso Martini and the Italian Shakerato, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The mysterious allure of Black Ginger enhances the coffee's bitterness, while a subtle touch of lemon oil awakens citrus notes. This creamy concoction is a sensory journey, inviting you to savor each sip and relish the intriguing interplay of flavors – a delightful indulgence for coffee and cocktail lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Rasasvada Black Ginger
- 1oz Espresso
- .5oz Simple Syrup
- Lemon Twist (For Garnish)
Spirited Option: Replace 2oz of Black Ginger with 1oz of Vodka or spirit of choice and 1oz of Rasasvada Black Ginger.
Serve: In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients with ice and shake hard for 20 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a manicured lemon twist.
Ruby Shakerato
Our creation, consisting of our Ruby Artemisia Spirit Restorative, a touch of Angostura Bitters, and a hint of chili-flaked honey, orchestrates a bittersweet symphony with a subtle, warming crescendo. In this harmonious potion, Ruby Artemisia takes center stage, transforming simplicity into sophistication. We recommend savoring it as part of your morning ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-meal digestivo.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Rasasvada Ruby Artemisia
- 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
- .25oz Chili Flake Spiced Honey
- Orange (For Garnish)
Spirited Option: Replace 2oz Ruby Artemisia with 1oz Plum Brandy or Amari of choice and 1oz Rasasvada Ruby Artemisia
Serve: Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass. Express orange twist and discard.
While iced coffee has its own appeal, the Shakerato offers a compelling case for making a change to your daily ritual. Its methodical preparation, combining espresso and ice, delivers a velvety, frothy texture that elevates the coffee experience to an art form. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which can suffer from dilution as ice melts, the Shakerato remains consistently bold and flavorful. This simple yet refined elixir encourages you to savor the essence of coffee, providing a moment of pause and restoration in a fast-paced world. It's a tribute to the delicate balance of flavors, and by choosing the Shakerato, you're not just selecting a drink – you're embracing a rich tradition, an exquisite taste, and a moment of pure indulgence.
For all the devoted coffee connoisseurs and mixology enthusiasts, we also recommend delving into Martin Hudak's book, Spiritual Coffee, a treasure trove of knowledge that unveils the rich history of coffee and the myriad of ways it can be woven into captivating cocktails.