Coffee Recipes

Chai Spice Protein Coffee

Millie Pham

If you love the cozy, warming flavors of chai but still need your coffee fix, this Chai Spice Protein Coffee is your new go-to! It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and gives you the energy boost you need, plus a dose of protein to keep you fueled.

Perfect for mornings when you want something special or an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a treat. It’s easy, delicious, and totally customizable.

Let’s make it!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brewed coffee (hot or cold)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • Ice cubes (optional, for iced coffee)
  • Cinnamon stick or star anise (optional, for garnish)

Tools:

  • Blender or shaker bottle
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mug or glass
  • Spoon or straw

Pro Tips

  1. Adjust the spice. If you love extra chai flavor, add a little more cinnamon or cardamom to your mix.
  2. Use cold brew for iced coffee. It’s smoother and works perfectly with the chai spices.
  3. Blend it for creaminess. A quick blend makes it super frothy and smooth.
  4. Make a chai spice mix. Combine cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg in a small jar so you have it ready to go next time!
  5. Don’t overheat your milk. If using hot coffee, warm the almond milk gently for the best creamy texture.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Swap almond milk for oat, soy, or coconut milk for a different flavor.
  • Use chai tea instead of coffee for a caffeine-free option.
  • Add a pinch of black pepper for a more traditional chai kick.
  • If you’re feeling fancy, top it with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

How to make it

1. Brew the Coffee

Brew 1 cup of your favorite coffee—hot or cold, depending on how you want your drink.

A modern coffee maker brewing a fresh cup of coffee into a white mug on a white marble counter with hints of gold.

2. Mix the Chai Spices

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg.

A small bowl of mixed chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg) on a wooden cutting board with a teaspoon next to it.

3. Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or shaker bottle, combine the brewed coffee, protein powder, almond milk, chai spice mix, and maple syrup. Blend or shake until smooth and frothy.

A blender filled with brewed coffee, vanilla protein powder, almond milk, chai spice mix, and a drizzle of maple syrup being blended into a frothy drink.

4. Pour and Garnish

Pour the drink into your mug or glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick or star anise for an extra-cozy look.

A frothy chai spice protein coffee poured into a clear glass mug, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a star anise for garnish.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Stir, sip, and enjoy the warm, spiced goodness!

Stir, sip, and enjoy the warm, spiced goodness

Leftovers and Storage

This drink is best made fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking.

Conclusion

This Chai Spice Protein Coffee is the perfect blend of cozy and energizing. It’s like a hug in a mug that also gives you a boost of protein to fuel your day. Whether you’re enjoying it hot or iced, it’s so easy to make and tastes amazing. I hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know how it turned out—or if you added your own twist—in the comments below. Happy sipping!

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!