Blend a frosty, high-protein sip with cold brew, cocoa, and creamy yogurt. Quick, energizing, and satisfying—with dairy-free swaps and no-sugar options.
Craving something cold, creamy, and energizing that actually keeps you full? This frosty sip checks all the boxes. It blends strong cold brew, cocoa, and a solid hit of protein into a thick, milkshake-like drink that feels like a treat but fuels like breakfast. It’s silky, lightly sweet, and just the right amount of chocolatey. You can make it dairy-free, lower sugar, or nutty and rich. Best of all, it takes about 10 minutes.
Whether you’re headed to the gym, powering through a busy morning, or hunting for an afternoon pick-me-up, this chilled blend hits the spot. It’s also a great make-ahead option for meal prep. Freeze smoothie packs, keep cold brew on hand, and you’re ready to blitz and go.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast and flexible: made in minutes with pantry staples and easy swaps.
- High protein: the kind of drink that actually satisfies and keeps you going.
- Frosty texture: thick, creamy, and milkshake-cold without melting fast.
- Balanced flavor: bold coffee, deep cocoa, a hint of vanilla, and gentle sweetness.
- Custom-friendly: dairy-free, low sugar, peanut butter, or minty mocha variations.
Want more fast sips and bites? Try these favorites: Smoothies, Healthy Breakfast Ideas, and Meal Prep. For technique inspo, browse Food Network.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee, chilled (or strong brewed coffee, cooled)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened milk (dairy, almond, or oat)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 2 tsp maple syrup or 1 to 2 pitted dates, optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup ice
- Optional boosters: 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, or 1 tsp chia
Notes: Cold brew brings smooth, low-acid coffee flavor. If you prefer decaf, go for it. Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy; protein powder keeps it dairy-free if you use plant milk. The banana adds body and natural sweetness without tasting banana-heavy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill your glass: pop 2 serving glasses in the freezer while you prep. A cold glass keeps the drink thick and frosty.
- Load the blender: add cold brew and milk first. Then add yogurt or protein powder, cocoa, vanilla, salt, the frozen banana, and ice. Liquids first help the blades pull everything down.
- Blend cold and fast: start low, then go high until velvety-smooth and icy, about 30 to 60 seconds. If the blender stalls, stop and scrape down the sides, then blend again.
- Sweeten to taste: sip and adjust. Add maple syrup or a softened date if you want a touch more sweetness. For thicker body, add a bit more ice and blend 10 seconds.
- Serve: pour into the chilled glasses. Dust with cocoa or top with a small swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. Enjoy right away while it is ultra-cold.
Expert Tips
- Use strong coffee: go for concentrated cold brew or double-strength chilled coffee so the flavor shines through the dairy and ice.
- Freeze ripe bananas: slice and freeze on a tray, then stash in a bag. Frozen fruit creates that thick, soft-serve texture without extra ice crystals.
- Balance the sweetness: cocoa is bitter; a pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla round it out. Then sweeten lightly to your taste.
- Blend order matters: liquids first, then powders, then solids on top. It keeps the blades from cavitating and gives a smoother finish.
- Protein pick: Greek yogurt gives a tangy creaminess; whey blends ultra-smooth; plant proteins can be thicker, so add a splash more milk if needed.
- Keep it frosty: pre-chill your glass and ingredients. Even the milk can sit in the fridge until the last second. Cold in, cold out.
- No gritty finish: blend a little longer than you think, especially if using plant protein or chia. Give it an extra 10 to 15 seconds for silkiness.
If you are curious about caffeine and coffee strength, the USDA has helpful data on coffee and beverages in FoodData Central.
Storage
- Fridge: store in a sealed jar up to 24 hours. Shake well or blitz for 5 seconds before drinking. Texture will loosen as ice melts, so add a few cubes and re-blend if you like it thicker.
- Freezer: pour leftovers into ice cube trays. Re-blend cubes with a splash of milk for an instant slushy. Or freeze in popsicle molds for a coffee-choco pop.
- Smoothie packs: prep bags with banana, cocoa, and optional add-ins. In the morning, dump into the blender with cold brew, milk, and ice. Done.
Variations
- Dairy-free dream: use almond or oat milk and a plant-based protein powder. Add 1 tsp almond butter for richness.
- Peanut butter mocha: blend in 1 tbsp peanut butter and a pinch of cinnamon. It tastes like a coffeehouse dessert with staying power.
- Mint chip vibe: add 2 to 3 fresh mint leaves and a few mini dark chocolate chips. Cool, fresh, and fun.
- Salted caramel twist: skip cocoa, add 1 to 2 tsp caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky salt. Use vanilla protein for a creamy base.
- Vanilla latte: swap cocoa for 1 extra tsp vanilla. Add a dash of nutmeg for a cozy flavor without the heat.
- Chocolate without coffee: replace cold brew with milk for a caffeine-free version. Go heavy on cocoa and vanilla for a classic chocolate shake.
- Extra greens: toss in a small handful of baby spinach. You will not taste it, but you get a micronutrient boost.
- High-calorie option: for more energy, add oats and an extra tablespoon of nut butter. Thin with more milk to keep it sippable.
FAQ
Can I make it without banana? Yes. Use 1 cup of ice and add 1 or 2 dates for body, or add half an avocado for creaminess. You can also use frozen zucchini or cauliflower rice for a neutral base.
What if I do not want yogurt? Use a scoop of protein powder and add a splash more milk. For a silky finish, include 1 tsp nut butter or 1 tsp neutral oil.
How much caffeine is in it? It depends on your cold brew. Most cold brews are strong; use decaf if you prefer less caffeine.
Can kids have it? Use a caffeine-free version and go lighter on added sweeteners. Always adjust to your family’s needs.
Do I need a high-powered blender? Any blender works. If yours struggles, let frozen items thaw 2 minutes and use smaller ice cubes.
Can I prep it ahead? Blend the night before and chill, or prep freezer packs. Give it a quick re-blend in the morning to refresh the texture.
Can I swap cold brew for espresso? Absolutely. Use 1 to 2 shots chilled, then add a touch more milk to replace the missing liquid from cold brew.
What about sweeteners? Maple syrup adds a clean flavor. Dates bring body and fiber. If using a sweetened protein powder, taste first; you may not need extra.
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