Save I discovered this drink by accident on a Tuesday morning when I was running late for the gym and grabbed whatever was in my fridge—cold brew I'd made over the weekend and a protein shake someone had left behind. I poured them together out of sheer convenience, took a sip, and realized I'd stumbled onto something genuinely delicious. Now it's become my go-to when I need something that tastes indulgent but actually fuels my body, no fancy equipment required.
Last week a friend stopped by while I was making this and asked what smelled so good, expecting me to admit I'd been baking. When I told her it was just cold brew and protein shake, she looked skeptical until she tasted it—now she's made it every morning since. That's when I realized this wasn't just a quick breakfast for me; it was something worth sharing.
Ingredients
- Cold brew coffee (150 ml): The cold brew matters more than you'd think—it's smoother and less acidic than regular coffee, so it blends seamlessly with the protein shake instead of tasting harsh.
- Ready-to-drink protein shake (200 ml): Vanilla and chocolate are safest bets, but I've experimented with caramel and mocha with surprisingly good results; just make sure it's actually cold.
- Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tsp, optional): Only add this if your protein shake isn't already sweetened—taste first, sweeten second.
- Ice cubes: Crushed ice blends smoother than cubes if you're using a blender, but regular cubes work fine for a simple stir.
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder (pinch, for garnish): A tiny sprinkle on top makes it feel intentional and adds a subtle flavor layer that pulls the whole thing together.
Instructions
- Chill everything first:
- Both your coffee and protein shake should be cold going in—warm ingredients turn the whole thing into a sad, watery mess instead of creamy and satisfying.
- Build it in the glass:
- Ice first, then coffee, then protein shake, in that order; this layering prevents the protein from clumping up before it mixes.
- Stir or blend to your texture:
- A quick stir gives you something smooth and drinkable in seconds; blend it if you want something thicker and more luxurious, almost like a frappé.
- Taste before you garnish:
- This is when you decide if you need the sweetener—better to adjust now than to have made it wrong.
- Top and serve immediately:
- A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa makes it look intentional and prevents that flat, boring feeling of drinking something plain.
Save There's something oddly satisfying about making something that looks fancy enough to have come from a café but took five minutes and zero skill. That small moment of pride before you take the first sip—that's become part of the ritual for me.
Flavor Combinations Worth Trying
The beauty of this drink is how forgiving it is with flavor swaps. Chocolate protein with a dash of espresso powder tastes like a mocha, vanilla with cinnamon feels autumn-warm, and caramel with a tiny splash of maple syrup borders on dessert territory. I've learned that you don't need fancy syrups or additives—the protein shake already brings sweetness and richness, so you're really just playing with what tastes good to your palate.
Texture Matters More Than You Think
The difference between something you actually want to drink and something you force down comes down to whether it's creamy or thin. If you like thickness, blend it; if you like something smooth and pourable, just stir. I've also discovered that adding a few extra ice cubes makes it last longer if you're sipping it slowly at your desk, which means you get the cold, refreshing feeling for the full experience instead of watching it get watery halfway through.
Making It Your Own
This isn't really a recipe you need to follow exactly—it's more of a template for something you build around what you actually have and what tastes good to you. The ratio of coffee to protein can shift based on whether you want it strong or creamy that morning, and the sweetener is purely optional depending on your protein shake brand. Once you've made it a few times, you'll know exactly how you like it.
- Always use cold ingredients—warm makes it separate instead of blend smoothly.
- Taste the protein shake first; many are already plenty sweet, so you might not need the maple syrup.
- Try it with different protein shake flavors before deciding you don't like it; sometimes the magic is just finding the right pairing.
Save This drink has become proof that good things don't require complicated recipes or precious time—sometimes the best additions to your day come from grabbing what's around and trusting your instincts. Make it whenever you need something that feels like a treat but actually serves you well.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of coffee is best for this blend?
Cold brew coffee is ideal due to its smooth, less acidic profile, which blends well with protein shakes for a creamy texture.
- → Can I use plant-based protein shakes?
Yes, using plant-based protein shakes works well and makes the drink suitable for vegan diets.
- → How can I sweeten the drink naturally?
Adding 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey provides natural sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
- → What’s the best way to achieve a frappé-like texture?
Blend all ingredients with ice in a blender until smooth and creamy for a thicker, frappé-style texture.
- → How do I garnish this drink?
A small pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top adds a pleasant aroma and depth of flavor.