Energizing Cold Brew Coffee with Protein Powder

Here’s my go-to cold brew coffee with protein powder recipe, perfect for those busy mornings when you need both your caffeine fix and a protein boost. The smooth, rich cold brew pairs surprisingly well with a scoop of protein powder, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and filling.

I make this almost every morning before heading to the gym, and it’s become such a staple that my blender has found a permanent spot on my kitchen counter. If you’re like me and want to combine your morning coffee with your protein shake, this recipe is about to become your new best friend.

What Kind of Cold Brew Coffee Should I Use?

You can use either store-bought cold brew coffee or make your own at home – both options work great for this protein-packed drink. If you’re buying from the store, look for cold brew that’s labeled as “concentrate” and dilute it according to the package directions, since concentrate is usually too strong to drink straight. For homemade cold brew, coarse-ground coffee beans work best, and you’ll want to let them steep in cold water for 12-24 hours in the fridge. The cold brewing process creates coffee that’s naturally smoother and less acidic than regular hot coffee that’s been chilled, which makes it perfect for mixing with protein shakes.

Options for Substitutions

This simple protein coffee recipe is easy to customize based on what you have at home:

• Cold brew coffee: If you don’t have cold brew, you can use regular coffee that’s been cooled down. Just brew it at double strength since the ice will dilute it. You can also use espresso shots (2-3 shots) that have been chilled.
• Pre-made protein shake: Instead of a ready-to-drink protein shake, you can mix 1 scoop of protein powder with 1 cup of milk (dairy, almond, oat, or soy all work well). Just make sure to blend it really well to avoid clumps.
• Ice cubes: For an extra coffee kick, try making coffee ice cubes ahead of time. You can also use frozen milk cubes to make your drink creamier without watering it down.
• Flavoring options: Feel free to experiment with different protein flavors – vanilla, chocolate, and caramel all work great, but you could also try cookies and cream or even peanut butter flavored protein.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when mixing protein powder with cold brew is adding the ingredients in the wrong order – always start with your cold brew first, then gradually add the protein shake while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth blending.

Temperature control is crucial here – using coffee that’s too hot can cause the protein to curdle or develop an unpleasant grainy texture, so make sure your cold brew is properly chilled before mixing.

When adding ice, don’t dump it in all at once as this can dilute your drink too quickly and throw off the balance of flavors – instead, add ice gradually and taste as you go to achieve your preferred strength and temperature.

For the smoothest possible texture, try blending your mixture for 20-30 seconds in a shaker bottle or blender, which helps incorporate the protein shake more evenly and creates a café-worthy consistency.

What to Serve With Protein Cold Brew?

This protein-packed cold brew makes a great breakfast or pre-workout drink, and it pairs really well with several morning favorites. A toasted whole grain bagel with cream cheese or a banana makes for an easy, filling breakfast alongside this energizing drink. If you’re heading to the gym, grab a handful of almonds or a granola bar to round out your pre-workout fuel. Since this drink is already pretty filling with the protein shake mixed in, keep any accompaniments on the lighter side – think fresh fruit, a small muffin, or a couple of breakfast cookies.

Storage Instructions

Keep Cold: This protein-packed cold brew coffee is best enjoyed right after mixing. If you need to save it for later, pop it in the fridge in a sealed container or mason jar for up to 24 hours. Just remember that the ice will melt and dilute the drink over time.

Prep Ahead: Want to save time in the morning? Mix the cold brew and protein shake the night before and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink, just add fresh ice cubes. The flavors actually blend together nicely after sitting for a few hours!

Mix Later: You can store the cold brew coffee and protein shake separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. This way, you can mix fresh portions whenever you want them. Just give everything a good shake or stir when combining.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 5-10 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup protein shake (vanilla, chocolate, or caramel, I like Orgain organic protein shakes)
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 cup cold brew coffee

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Begin by filling a large glass with ice cubes.

This will chill your coffee and protein shake mixture, providing a refreshing and invigorating drink.

Step 2: Pour the Cold Brew

Carefully pour cold brew coffee over the ice in your glass.

Ensure there’s enough room left for the protein shake, but feel free to adjust the amount of cold brew to suit your taste preference.

Step 3: Add the Protein Shake

Next, add a protein shake to the glass containing your coffee and ice.

The protein shake not only adds creaminess but also a boost of nutrients for the perfect blend of flavor and energy.

Step 4: Stir and Enjoy

Finally, stir the mixture well until the coffee and protein shake are fully combined.

Once thoroughly mixed, your invigorating cold brew coffee with a protein shake is ready to be enjoyed.

Sip and savor the delicious blend of rich coffee and smooth protein shake.