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The iced vanilla shaken espresso from Starbucks is a sweet and refreshing coffee drink. It contains espresso shots that are shaken with ice, vanilla syrup, and milk to create a creamy, sweet, and icy beverage. The amount of sweetness can vary based on the size ordered and customization preferences. Here are some quick facts about the iced shaken espresso:
Size Options
The iced vanilla shaken espresso comes in three sizes: tall, grande, and venti. The tall contains 2 shots of espresso, the grande has 3 shots, and the venti has 4 shots. More espresso shots mean more coffee flavor and slight bitterness to balance out the sweetness.
Vanilla Syrup
Each size comes standard with 2, 3, or 4 pumps of vanilla syrup respectively. This syrup is what makes the drink taste sweet and vanilla-y. Getting extra pumps of syrup will make the drink sweeter.
Milk
The milk included also affects sweetness. Nonfat milk provides a lighter, slightly less sweet taste compared to 2% or whole milk options. Asking for an alternative milk like almond or soy will change the flavor profile.
Customization Options
Some ways to increase the sweetness include asking for extra pumps of vanilla syrup, using a sweeter milk option, and adding caramel or mocha drizzle. Ways to decrease the sweetness include using fewer pumps of vanilla, getting it upside down (espresso shots poured on top), or adding less milk.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information for a grande (16 oz) iced vanilla shaken espresso with 2% milk is:
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 | 5g | 33g | 31g | 10g |
As you can see, the drink is high in sugar due to the vanilla syrup and milk. The amount of sugar ranges from 23-43g depending on size and customization. A venti made with whole milk and extra vanilla would have the most sugar.
Caffeine Content
The caffeine content of the iced shaken espresso is:
| Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Tall | 150 |
| Grande | 225 |
| Venti | 300 |
A tall has 2 shots containing 75mg of caffeine each. The more shots of espresso, the higher the caffeine. This helps provide an energizing balance to the sweetness.
Taste Profile
Here is how the iced vanilla shaken espresso tastes:
Appearance
It is a light caramel color and has a frothy, foamy appearance from being shaken. There is a light layer of foam at the top.
Aroma
It smells strongly of sweet vanilla and roasted coffee. The vanilla syrup provides a familiar baked goods aroma.
Flavor
The first sip provides a surge of sweet vanilla flavor along with a velvety milk texture. As you keep drinking, the espresso emerges to provide a smooth coffee taste that increases the complexity. The coffee taste helps cut the sweetness.
Mouthfeel
The milk gives it a creamy, frothy texture. The ice and shaking make it perfectly chilled and refreshing. It is smooth and easy to drink.
Finish
It has a sweet vanilla latte flavor in the aftertaste with lingering notes of coffee. The sweet vanilla lingers on the palate while the coffee provides a bitter counterbalance.
Who Would Enjoy This Drink?
The iced vanilla shaken espresso appeals to those who enjoy:
– Sweet coffee drinks like vanilla lattes
– Iced and blended coffee beverages
– Drinks that provide both caffeine and sugar
– Vanilla flavor with a hint of bitter coffee
– Velvety, creamy shaken texture
Some people who may not enjoy it are:
– Those who prefer unsweetened coffee
– People who want coffee flavor to dominate
– People avoiding refined sugar
– Those who don’t like milk or vanilla
Price
The iced vanilla shaken espresso costs:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Tall | $4.75 |
| Grande | $5.25 |
| Venti | $5.75 |
Customizations like alternative milks, extra syrup or shots, and drizzles cost extra. Overall it is moderately priced compared to other Starbucks lattes and iced coffee drinks.
Comparison to Other Drinks
The iced vanilla shaken espresso differs from other Starbucks drinks in a few ways:
Iced Vanilla Latte
– Made with brewed espresso instead of espresso shots
– Features steamed milk instead of milk shaken with ice
– Tends to taste sweeter due to steamed milk
– Has less coffee flavor and bitterness
Iced Coffee
– Contains brewed coffee not espresso
– Can be customized with flavors but is often plain
– Has bolder coffee taste without sweetness
– Usually has simple taste profile focused on coffee
Frappuccinos
– Made with a cream base blended with ice
– Tend to be very thick, icy and extra sweet
– Contain lots of milk, sugar and flavoring
– May overpower the coffee flavor
The shaken espresso stands out for its focus on espresso, frothy shaken texture, and balance of coffee and sweet vanilla flavors.
Conclusion
The Starbucks iced vanilla shaken espresso is a sweet coffee drink featuring velvety steamed milk, vanilla syrup, ice, and espresso. The amount of sweetness can vary based on size and customization preferences. A grande made according to the standard recipe delivers both coffee and vanilla flavors, but the vanilla sweetness tends to be prominent. With its refreshing shaken texture and energizing yet sweet profile, the iced shaken espresso makes a delicious summer coffee treat. It offers coffee lovers an indulgent but balanced cold beverage option.