Pin It I stumbled upon this combination during a chaotic morning when I grabbed the wrong carton from the fridge. The protein shake accidentally met my cold brew in a moment of desperation, and I ended up with something frothy and surprisingly delicious. Now it is the first thing I reach for on busy days.
My gym buddy finally asked for my secret after watching me sip one of these through every post-workout cooldown. Now the whole group makes them in the locker room, and it has become this little ritual we share before heading back to work.
Ingredients
- Cold brew coffee: The smooth low-acid base that makes this drink taste like something from a coffee shop without the bitter edge
- Protein shake: Vanilla or chocolate ready-to-drink shakes work best here because they are already formulated to mix smoothly and taste creamy
- Maple syrup or honey: Even a teaspoon makes a difference if your protein shake is on the plainer side
- Ice cubes: Essential for that cold refreshing texture that makes this feel like a specialty beverage
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder: A tiny pinch on top transforms this from a basic drink into something that feels thoughtful and finished
Instructions
- Prep the glass:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes all the way to the top so every sip stays perfectly chilled
- Add the coffee:
- Pour your cold brew slowly over the ice and watch it create those beautiful swirling patterns as it settles
- Pour in the protein:
- Add the protein shake gently and watch the colors mix into this gorgeous creamy beige
- Sweeten if you like:
- Stir in your maple syrup or honey now if you want a little extra sweetness
- Mix it together:
- Stir thoroughly with a spoon until you no longer see separate layers and everything looks uniformly smooth
- Finish it off:
- Dust the top with cinnamon or cocoa and serve immediately before the ice starts to melt too much
Pin It This drink has become my go-to gift for new parents. It is something they can grab with one hand during those fuzzy sleep-deprived mornings, and the protein helps them push through until nap time.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you have in the fridge. Different protein shake flavors create entirely different experiences. A caramel protein shake turns this into something that tastes like a fancy coffee shop creation, while mocha makes it feel like a decadent dessert.
Texture Experiments
Sometimes I want something silky and other times I crave that thick slushy consistency you get from a blender. The blended version feels more like a milkshake and really hits the spot after a hard workout when your body is craving something substantial.
Timing Is Everything
Morning is not the only time this drink shines. I have started making one in the late afternoon when that post-lunch slump hits. The protein tide me over until dinner and the coffee gives me just enough energy to finish the day strong without interfering with sleep.
- Keep your cold brew in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain that fresh taste all week
- Shake the protein carton well before pouring to avoid any clumpy surprises
- Drink this within 15 minutes of making it for the best texture and temperature
Pin It Simple enough for a Tuesday morning but special enough to serve on a weekend brunch.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use flavored protein shakes?
Yes, flavored protein shakes like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or mocha add variety and enhance the drink's taste.
- → How do I make a thicker, frappe-style blend?
Blend all ingredients with ice in a blender until smooth and creamy for a frappe-like texture.
- → Is this drink suitable for vegans?
Use plant-based protein shakes and dairy-free cold brew to prepare a vegan-friendly beverage.
- → What optional sweeteners can I add?
Maple syrup or honey can be added to taste for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
- → How can I garnish the drink?
A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder sprinkled on top adds aroma and visual appeal.