Pin It There's something magical about that moment when your alarm goes off and you realize you have exactly five minutes to fuel your body for whatever comes next. I discovered this drink on a morning when I was juggling a gym session before work, standing in my kitchen with cold brew in one hand and a protein shake in the other, thinking there had to be a better way than chugging them separately. What started as a lazy experiment became my non-negotiable morning ritual—creamy, satisfying, and ready before my coffee gets warm.
I made this for my roommate once when she complained about her protein shake being too thick and her coffee getting cold before she finished it. Watching her take that first sip and her eyes light up made me realize this wasn't just my thing—it was the answer to a problem nobody had properly solved until now.
Ingredients
- Cold brew coffee, chilled (150 ml): Use really cold brew if you can, because it won't water down as the ice melts, and the depth of flavor is unmatched compared to iced regular coffee.
- Ready-to-drink protein shake (200 ml): Vanilla and chocolate are the classics, but the magic happens when you grab something unexpected like caramel or mocha.
- Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tsp, optional): Add this only if you want it sweeter, though many protein shakes already do the job.
- Ice cubes: Don't skip these—they're what make this feel like an actual treat and not just a blended drink.
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder (pinch, for garnish): This tiny flourish makes it feel intentional and tastes better than you'd expect.
Instructions
- Build your base with ice:
- Fill a tall glass completely with ice cubes—this is your foundation for keeping everything cold and giving you that satisfying texture when you sip.
- Pour the cold brew:
- Add your 150 ml of cold brew over the ice, letting it settle for just a second so the cold brew has room to mix properly with what comes next.
- Add the protein shake:
- Pour in your ready-to-drink protein shake slowly, and you'll see it start to create that creamy swirl you're after.
- Sweeten if needed:
- If you want more sweetness, drizzle in maple syrup or honey now and stir well so it doesn't sink to the bottom.
- Stir or blend for the perfect texture:
- Stir thoroughly until everything is mixed and creamy, or if you want something thicker and frappe-like, throw it all in a blender with the ice and pulse until smooth.
- Garnish and serve immediately:
- A small pinch of cinnamon or cocoa on top looks beautiful and adds a subtle flavor that ties everything together.
Pin It I brought this to a friend's place before a morning hike, and watching a group of people who normally can't eat anything before exercise actually finish one of these and feel good told me something important—this isn't just convenient, it actually works.
The Coffee-to-Protein Balance
Not everyone wants the same ratio, and that's the beauty of this drink. If you like your coffee strong and bold, use 200 ml of cold brew and 150 ml of shake. If you prefer something creamier and less intense, flip it around. I've experimented enough to know there's no wrong answer here, just your answer.
Flavor Combinations That Actually Work
Vanilla protein with cold brew is your reliable go-to, but chocolate protein elevates it into something almost dessert-like. The real discovery came when I tried a caramel protein shake with cold brew and it tasted like someone had made an intentional cafe beverage. Mocha protein is another winner if you want to lean into the coffee flavor without adding anything extra.
Making It Your Own
This is where your kitchen creativity gets rewarded. Some mornings I skip the sweetener entirely, other times I add a tiny drizzle of almond butter at the bottom for something more substantial. The five-minute timer means you can experiment without commitment.
- If you're vegan, grab a plant-based protein shake and you're done—no modifications needed.
- Frozen bananas blended in make this thicker and more dessert-like if you have an extra sixty seconds.
- Add a pinch of sea salt if you want to make the flavors pop without adding sweetness.
Pin It This drink has become my small ritual that actually moves the needle on how I feel in the morning, and it never asks for more than five minutes of my time. Make it today.
Your Questions Answered
- → Can I use different protein shake flavors?
Yes, experimenting with vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or mocha flavors can add variety to the drink's taste.
- → Is this drink suitable for vegan diets?
Using plant-based protein shakes and dairy-free cold brew coffee makes it a vegan-friendly option.
- → How can I make the drink thicker like a frappe?
Blend all ingredients with ice cubes in a blender to achieve a thicker, frappe-like texture.
- → What sweeteners work well with this blend?
Maple syrup or honey can be added in small amounts to enhance sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
- → Are there allergen concerns to consider?
The drink may contain milk if dairy-based protein is used, and protein shakes might include soy or nuts. Gluten-free options are available with specific protein shakes.