Beat the Summertime Heat with a Caffè Shakerato

Italy can be hot in the summer. AC is not standard in most Italian homes. Central air conditioning as we know it is rare and inconsistent. Italians complain about the weather but they’ve learned to keep their cool. They accept the summer heat in typical che sara’ sara’ style knowing that it’s part of a seasonal cycle.

The best way to cope with the summer heat is to do as the Italians do. Begin your day early with an afternoon riposo (rest) during the hottest part of the day. Wear clothes made of lightweight, breathable materials (cotton or linen). Keep the shades or curtains in your home closed, stay out of the mid-day sun and re-emerge in the evening for a stroll and light dinner. If possible head to the nearest mountains or sea shore or find a shady grove of trees. Lake breezes bring cooler temperatures inland and shaded surfaces can be 20-45°F cooler than unshaded ones while the air temperature directly under a tree's canopy can be up to 25°F cooler.

Caffè Shakerato

Summertime in Italy is made more tolerable with cool treats to beat the heat. Nothing is as refreshing as a gelato, a frozen granita or sorbetto or as satisfying as an iced caffè shakerato. One of the most refreshing cold drinks in Italy a caffè shakerato is enjoyed during the summer in every town and village from Milan to Cagliari. An espresso-based drink, a caffé shakerato is made by shaking a cocktail tumbler filled with coffee, ice and sugar to taste until chilled and frothy. Vigorous shaking creates the shakerato’s signature foam. Sip a shakerato chilled in a cocktail glass, coupe or in a spritz-style glass. All capped with a creamy foam.

Classic Italian Caffe' Shakerato

Ingredients:

• about 4 to 6 cubes

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup or 1 tablespoon of sugar

• 2 fluid ounces (60 ml) freshly made hot espresso 

Directions: Brew your coffee and allow it to slightly cool. Add ice and sugar to a cocktail shaker. Pour coffee on top, seal shaker, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled, 20 to 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into a glass and serve right away! Heavy or whipped cream or milk can be added as desired.

Summertime sale on Caffè Umbria, small batch Italian roast coffee beans.

Recommended:

When making a Caffè Shakerato you'll need a good cocktail shaker. This classic stainless steel cocktail shaker from TJ Metal Works has a built in strainer to hold back ice and a spill-proof cover. If you're looking for a well-priced food grade shaker you might consider this one. Click on the shaker foto for more information.

TJ Metal Works Cocktail Shaker

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