Ingredients

For the Shake

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups (300 g) vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) brewed espresso, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm note)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks (for topping)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Caramelized Sugar Topping

  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Culinary torch or oven broiler
  • Heatproof shallow dish (for caramelizing sugar)
  • Tall glasses for serving
  • Straw or spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Sugar Topping:
    • In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar.
    • Heat over medium heat (or microwave in 15-second bursts), stirring until the sugars melt into a smooth caramel, about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
    • Pour the melted sugar onto a heatproof shallow dish lined with parchment paper, spreading it thinly. Let it cool and harden for 10 minutes.
    • Break the hardened caramel into small shards for garnish. Set aside.
  2. Blend the Shake:
    • In a blender, combine milk, vanilla ice cream, cooled espresso, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
    • Blend on medium-high speed until smooth and frothy, about 30–45 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time.
  3. Prepare the Glasses:
    • Optionally, chill the serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes for a frosty effect.
    • Pour the shake into tall glasses, filling about 3/4 of the way to leave room for topping.
  4. Add Whipped Cream:
    • Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of each shake, creating a thick layer.
  5. Garnish with Caramelized Sugar:
    • Sprinkle a few caramel shards over the whipped cream for a crunchy crème brûlée effect.
    • Optionally, use a culinary torch to lightly caramelize the whipped cream’s surface for extra flavor (be cautious not to melt the shake).
  6. Serve Immediately:
    • Serve with a straw or spoon, encouraging the drinker to enjoy the caramel shards and whipped cream with each sip.

Tips

  • For a stronger coffee flavor, increase espresso to 1/3 cup (80 ml), but reduce milk to maintain consistency.
  • If you don’t have a culinary torch, place the caramelized sugar under an oven broiler for 10–15 seconds to achieve the brûlée effect (watch closely to avoid burning).
  • For a non-caffeinated version, substitute espresso with decaf coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 7 g

Serving Size

  • Makes 2 servings (about 12 oz/350 ml each)