Pin The first time I made this was on a Tuesday morning when I'd stayed up too late scrolling through my phone, and my usual coffee just wasn't cutting it. I remembered a protein shake sitting in the fridge, and instead of tossing it, I thought—why not? Five minutes later, I had something that tasted way better than either ingredient alone, and I felt genuinely energized without that jittery crash. It's become my go-to move ever since, especially on mornings when I need both coffee and substance.
I brought this to the gym one morning and my friend asked what smelled so good in my water bottle. When I told her it was just coffee and protein shake blended together, she looked skeptical until she tried a sip. Now she makes it too, and we've turned it into this weird little ritual where we compare flavor combinations in the locker room. That's when I knew it wasn't just convenient—it actually brings people together.
Ingredients
- Cold brew coffee (150 ml): The cold brew matters more than you'd think because it's smoother and less acidic than hot coffee cooled down, which means it blends silkily with the protein without tasting bitter.
- Ready-to-drink protein shake (200 ml): Vanilla and chocolate work best, but honestly, I've had success with caramel and mocha flavors too—just taste as you go so the sweetness doesn't overpower.
- Maple syrup or honey (1-2 tsp, optional): Only add this if your protein shake is unflavored or unsweetened, otherwise you risk making it cloying.
- Ice cubes: Fresh ice keeps everything cold without watering it down too fast.
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder (pinch, optional): This adds a visual touch and a subtle flavor layer that makes it feel more intentional than just blending two things together.
Instructions
- Start with ice:
- Fill your glass about halfway with ice cubes so the drink stays cold as you build it.
- Add the coffee first:
- Pour the cold brew over the ice slowly—this prevents it from becoming watered down and lets the flavors stay vibrant.
- Pour in the protein shake:
- Add the shake slowly so it mixes evenly instead of settling at the bottom.
- Sweeten if needed:
- A touch of maple syrup or honey can round out flavors if your protein shake is on the plain side.
- Mix it all together:
- Stir hard with a spoon, or blend everything in a blender for a thicker, creamier texture that feels more like a frappé.
- Finish and serve:
- Top with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder if you want that café-style touch, then drink it immediately so the ice doesn't dilute it.
Pin I made this for my roommate when she was stressed about exams, and she sat down with it and just...relaxed for five minutes. That's when I realized it's not just about protein or energy—it's a moment of taking care of yourself, drinking something that feels a little indulgent while still being practical.
Blended vs. Stirred
There are two ways to approach this depending on your mood. Stirred is faster and tastes like a straightforward iced latte with a protein boost. Blended gives you something thicker and more dessert-like, almost like a protein shake but with real coffee depth instead of that artificial taste. I alternate depending on whether I want something quick or something I can sit with for a minute.
Flavor Combinations Worth Trying
Vanilla protein with cold brew is the safe choice, but chocolate protein with cold brew tastes like a mocha without any fussing. If you're feeling experimental, caramel protein and cold brew leans sweet and almost buttery. The maple syrup trick works best with vanilla or caramel—it adds depth without making everything taste like a dessert.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this drink is that it works as a template. Once you understand the ratio of coffee to protein to ice, you can adjust everything.
- Use plant-based protein shake and dairy-free cold brew if you're vegan or lactose-sensitive.
- Blend in a handful of frozen berries or banana if you want more texture and natural sweetness.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond butter for flavors that feel custom-made.
Pin This drink has become my favorite kind of recipe because it's so simple that anyone can make it, but it tastes like you actually put thought into it. That's the real win.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use plant-based protein shakes in this drink?
Yes, plant-based protein shakes work well and make this blend suitable for vegan diets.
- → How can I make this drink thicker like a frappe?
Blend all ingredients with ice in a blender until creamy and smooth for a frappe-like texture.
- → What sweeteners can I add to this iced beverage?
Maple syrup or honey can be added to taste for a natural sweetness boost.
- → Is it safe for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free protein shake, the drink remains gluten-free.
- → How do I garnish this blended coffee drink?
A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds a nice finishing touch to the creamy blend.