Save There's something oddly perfect about the morning when you can't decide between two cravings—the sharp, earthy wake-up call of cold brew and the smooth, protein-packed comfort of a shake. One hectic Tuesday, I stopped trying to choose and just poured both into a glass with ice, stirred it together, and discovered something that tasted like I'd finally understood my own brain. That first sip was cool, creamy, and somehow exactly what my tired body needed before a long day.
I made this for my friend Maya after she complained about how her protein shakes tasted like liquidized cardboard, and her whole face changed when she tried it. She kept saying, "Wait, there's coffee in this?" like I'd revealed some underground secret. Now she texts me photos of her homemade versions with weird flavor combinations, and I've learned more about protein shake variety from her experiments than I ever expected to know.
Ingredients
- Cold brew coffee (150 ml): The cold brew base is non-negotiable—it stays smooth and doesn't get watered down as ice melts, unlike regular iced coffee that turns thin and bitter.
- Ready-to-drink protein shake (200 ml): Use whatever flavor speaks to you that day, but vanilla and chocolate are the safest bets; vanilla plays nice with everything, chocolate adds depth.
- Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tsp, optional): Only add this if your shake isn't already sweet enough, because some brands taste like they've already met their sugar quota for the day.
- Ice cubes: Fill your glass generously—they dilute slower than you'd think and keep everything properly chilled.
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder (pinch for garnish): A tiny sprinkle on top isn't just pretty; it hints at what's coming and catches on your lip as you drink.
Instructions
- Build your foundation with ice:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving maybe an inch of space at the top. This isn't about being minimal—cold brew and protein shake go flat fast if there's not enough ice to keep them chilled.
- Pour the cold brew:
- Let it cascade over the ice so it gets properly chilled. The sound is honestly satisfying, and you'll see the ice shift as it settles.
- Add the protein shake:
- Pour it in slowly so the two liquids blend together naturally instead of separating into distinct layers. Watch how the color shifts as they combine.
- Sweeten if needed:
- If your shake is already vanilla or caramel flavored, you might not need this, but taste as you go. A teaspoon of maple syrup dissolves faster if you add it before stirring.
- Stir everything together:
- A good stir with a spoon makes it creamy and uniform, but if you want that thicker, almost frozen texture, grab a blender and whirl it for 30 seconds instead.
- Finish and serve:
- A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top makes it look like you actually know what you're doing. Drink it right away while it's still cold and the foam is still there.
Save I brought this to the gym once in a portable tumbler, and three different people asked me what it was because it smelled incredible and looked like some kind of special sports drink. I realized right then that this isn't just breakfast fuel—it's the kind of drink that makes other people want what you're having.
Flavor Combinations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic vanilla or chocolate version, it's fun to start playing around. A caramel protein shake with cold brew feels like you're drinking dessert, but in a morning-appropriate way. If you go with a mocha-flavored shake, you might skip the coffee entirely and just use cold brew concentrate for an extra-bold hit. The beauty of this drink is that it adapts to whatever protein flavor you have on hand, so you can keep experimenting without ever making the exact same thing twice.
Making It Your Own
Some mornings I add a splash of almond milk to make it less thick, or a pinch of sea salt to bring out the coffee flavor even more. On weekends when I have five extra minutes, I blend it with a handful of ice to get that frappe-like texture that feels indulgent at 10 a.m. The drink doesn't care what you do to it—it's forgiving and flexible, which might be why it became my go-to without me really planning for it to.
Storage and Timing
This is a drink meant for right now, not for making ahead and storing in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more the ingredients separate and the ice melts, turning it watery and flat. But if you're someone who preps your cold brew in batches and always has protein shake on hand, you can literally make one of these whenever hunger or coffee cravings strike—there's no excuse not to.
- Cold brew keeps for about two weeks in the fridge, so batch-make it on Sundays for stress-free mornings all week.
- Use whatever protein shake flavor is open; there's no judgment for finishing the chocolate before the vanilla.
- If your ice has absorbed freezer smells, use filtered water to make fresh cubes so they don't ruin the taste.
Save This drink has become my answer to the question of what to have when I want something substantial but don't want to sit down to breakfast. It's honest fuel disguised as something you'd actually want to drink.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of coffee is best for this blend?
Chilled cold brew coffee works best to maintain a smooth and rich flavor without bitterness.
- → Can I use plant-based protein shakes?
Yes, plant-based protein shakes blend well and keep the drink suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.
- → How can I make the drink sweeter naturally?
Adding a teaspoon or two of maple syrup or honey enhances sweetness without overpowering the coffee.
- → Is it better to blend or stir the ingredients?
Blending with ice creates a thicker, frappé-like texture, while stirring keeps it light and smooth.
- → What garnishes complement this coffee blend?
A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds a subtle spice and enhances the visual appeal.