Save I discovered this blend on a Tuesday morning when I was standing in my kitchen staring at a carton of protein shake and a freshly brewed pot of cold brew, completely unable to decide which one I wanted more. Why choose, I thought, and started pouring them together like some kind of caffeinated experiment. The result was so good that it became my go-to whenever I needed both energy and staying power—no overthinking required.
My roommate tried it one morning and looked genuinely betrayed that I hadn't made her one the night before. Now it's become this quiet ritual between us—she makes hers with chocolate protein and extra ice, I keep mine simple with just a hint of maple syrup. It's become less about the caffeine and more about that moment before everything gets loud.
Ingredients
- Cold brew coffee (150 ml): The cold brew matters more than you'd think because it won't water down the drink as it melts, and the smoother flavor plays perfectly with protein.
- Protein shake (200 ml): Any vanilla or chocolate brand works, but I've found the creamier ones make the whole thing feel less like a supplement and more like an actual treat.
- Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tsp): Optional but worth it if your protein shake isn't already sweetened, and it adds a subtle depth that plain sugar doesn't.
- Ice cubes: Use more than you think you need—the dilution is actually your friend here.
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder: A pinch on top transforms it from casual to intentional.
Instructions
- Chill your glass and load it with ice:
- Cold glass plus cold cubes means your drink stays actually cold and doesn't taste watered down after two minutes. This step takes ten seconds and changes everything.
- Build your base with coffee:
- Pour the cold brew over the ice first so it settles and cools the glass completely. You'll hear the ice crack slightly—that's the sound of it doing its job.
- Marry coffee and protein:
- Pour the protein shake slowly and watch it swirl in. The color gradient is oddly satisfying, and pouring slowly keeps it from separating.
- Sweeten if needed:
- If you're using unsweetened protein, this is where a teaspoon of maple syrup makes the difference between good and crave-worthy.
- Stir or blend to your texture preference:
- A good stir with a long spoon blends it enough, but if you want it frappe-thick and pillowy, this is when you'd use a blender for thirty seconds. Either way, you want no visible layers.
- Finish with a flourish:
- A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa on top tastes better than you'd expect and takes the whole thing from breakfast to intentional ritual.
Save There's something unexpectedly grounding about having this drink sitting in front of you before the day demands anything. It's become the quiet before the chaos, the moment where you're doing something entirely for yourself.
Why This Works for Any Mood
Some mornings you want fuel, some mornings you want comfort, and this manages to be both without apology. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and it never lets you down.
The Protein Shake Factor
Choosing your protein matters more than you'd think—vanilla is the safe play because it gets along with everything, but chocolate opens up a whole other dimension if you add a dash of cinnamon or even a tiny bit of instant espresso powder. Some people swear by flavored shakes like caramel or mocha, which basically turns this into a legitimate dessert you can have before noon.
Small Changes That Shift Everything
The beautiful thing about this drink is how forgiving it is to personalize. Temperature, sweetness, texture—you can adjust any of it and still end up somewhere delicious. It's the kind of recipe that rewards tinkering without punishing you for sticking to the basics.
- A plant-based protein shake and cold brew made with filtered water makes this entirely vegan and just as delicious.
- If you have a blender handy, three seconds of blending transforms the texture into something luxuriously thick and aerated.
- The garnish seems optional but isn't—it's the difference between a drink and a moment you actually savor.
Save This drink has a way of becoming more than the sum of its parts—it's five minutes of unapologetic self-care disguised as breakfast. Make it your way and own it.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based protein shakes?
Yes, plant-based alternatives work well and keep the drink suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.
- → How can I make the drink thicker?
Blend all ingredients with ice for a richer, frappe-like consistency.
- → What are good sweetener options to add?
Maple syrup or honey can be added to enhance sweetness naturally.
- → Is this drink high in protein?
Yes, the protein shake provides around 20 grams of protein per serving, contributing to a nutritious boost.
- → What garnishes complement this blend?
A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds a pleasant finishing touch to the creamy beverage.