Save There's something about that first morning sip when you're torn between coffee and a protein shake that makes you wish they'd just meet halfway. I discovered this blend on a Tuesday when I was rushing out the door with a gym bag in one hand and zero patience for breakfast decisions in the other. Cold brew and vanilla protein happened to be within arm's reach, and what started as a time-saving shortcut became the drink I actually crave now.
I made this for a friend who kept complaining she hated protein shakes because they tasted like chalk mixed with regret. Watching her take that first sip and actually smile instead of grimace felt oddly triumphant. She's been texting me the recipe ever since, which tells you everything you need to know about how forgiving and genuinely good this drink is.
Ingredients
- Cold Brew Coffee: The foundation of this whole thing, and honestly cold brew makes all the difference because it's naturally smoother and less bitter than regular iced coffee, which means the sweetness of the protein shake gets to shine instead of fighting for attention.
- Protein Shake: Vanilla and chocolate both work beautifully, and using a ready-to-drink bottle cuts out any powder grittiness that can sometimes linger in homemade versions.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Optional but worth having on hand because some protein shakes lean savory and you might want to nudge things toward dessert territory.
- Ice Cubes: These aren't just for temperature, they're for texture, and keeping them whole rather than pre-crushed gives you control over how slushy or smooth you want things.
- Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder: A whisper of garnish that does more work than you'd expect, adding visual appeal and a gentle flavor boost without drowning out the coffee.
Instructions
- Build Your Base:
- Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes, filling it most of the way because the coffee and protein shake will need room to mingle without immediate overflow. This is where the whole drink gets its personality.
- Add the Coffee:
- Pour the cold brew over the ice and listen for that satisfying clink as the cold liquid hits cold cubes. The coffee should make up roughly half the glass at this point.
- Introduce the Protein:
- Pour the entire contents of your protein shake into the glass slowly, watching as it creates layers that gradually blend into creaminess. This is the moment it stops being coffee and starts being something unexpected.
- Sweeten if Needed:
- Taste it mentally before adding sweetener, then drizzle in maple syrup or honey only if your specific protein shake needs it. Some are sweet enough on their own and adding more just tips it into candyland.
- Combine Everything:
- Stir vigorously with a spoon until the drink turns uniformly creamy and takes on that milkshake-adjacent color, or if you prefer a frappe texture, transfer everything to a blender and pulse until it's thick and smooth.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder if you're feeling fancy, then drink immediately while the ice is still doing its job and the texture is at its peak.
Save There's a small joy in realizing a drink can be both nutritionally honest and genuinely delicious, that you don't have to choose between tasting good and fueling your body. This one does both without apology.
Flavor Combinations Worth Trying
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is with the protein shake flavors you choose. Chocolate protein with a hint of cinnamon garnish pushes it toward mocha territory, while vanilla plays well with cocoa powder or even a tiny splash of coconut milk if you want something tropical and light. I've experimented with caramel protein shakes and they're dangerously good, tasting almost like a dessert without requiring any actual dessert skills.
Making It Work for Your Goals
If you're drinking this post-workout, you might want to lean heavier on the protein shake ratio to maximize recovery benefits, whereas a pre-workout version might benefit from slightly more cold brew for that caffeine edge. The drink scales its purpose based on what you prioritize, which is refreshing compared to drinks that only have one job. Plant-based protein shakes work beautifully here too if that's your preference, and honestly I can't taste the difference anymore because the coffee carries so much of the flavor profile.
Storage and Quick Variations
This is a drink that lives in the present moment and should be consumed immediately after mixing, but you can absolutely prep your cold brew and protein shake ahead of time for those mornings when you're running late. On particularly hot days, I've been known to use even more ice and blend everything into a thick slushie that feels more like a treat than a health drink. The cinnamon or cocoa powder garnish can be swapped for a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of granola if you want to push it further into indulgent territory, though at that point you're creating something uniquely yours rather than following instructions.
- Make your cold brew in batches on Sunday so it's always ready for weekday mornings.
- Keep different protein shake flavors stocked so you never get bored with the same combination twice.
- If you're blending instead of stirring, chill your blender pitcher first to keep everything as cold as possible.
Save This drink has quietly become my favorite thing to make when I need something that feels both nurturing and practical. It's proof that the simplest ideas, executed with attention to what actually tastes good, often win out over complicated recipes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based protein shakes?
Yes, plant-based protein shakes work well and keep the blend vegan-friendly.
- → How can I make it sweeter?
Add 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey according to your taste preference.
- → What is the best way to serve this blend?
Serve over ice in a tall glass or blend with ice for a thicker, frappe-style texture.
- → Is this blend suitable for a post-workout drink?
Yes, the protein shake combined with cold brew coffee offers a great balance of energy and nourishment.
- → Can I customize the flavor?
Experiment with different protein shake flavors like caramel or mocha, and garnish with cinnamon or cocoa powder for variety.