Hey there! If you’re like me and love your coffee and a little something extra to keep you going, this Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee is about to be your new favorite treat.
It’s creamy, chocolatey, and gives you that caffeine boost you need, plus a little protein to power through your day.
The best part? It’s crazy simple to make and perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. Let’s get to it!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this energizing treat:
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- Sweetener to taste (like honey, maple syrup, or stevia)
- Whipped cream and chocolate syrup (optional, for topping)
Pro Tips
- Dissolve the Protein Powder: Blend or whisk the protein powder with the coffee really well to avoid clumps.
- Use Good Cold Brew: A smooth cold brew makes all the difference in flavor.
- Chill the Coffee: Start with chilled coffee, so the ice doesn’t melt too fast and water down your drink.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetener to suit your taste or skip it if your protein powder is already sweetened.
- Add Extra Creaminess: Want it thicker? Blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream.
Tools You’ll Need
- A blender or shaker bottle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A tall glass
- A spoon for stirring
- A stainless steel or reusable straw (optional but fun!)
Substitutions and Variations
- No Protein Powder? Use a tablespoon of cocoa powder and sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
- Dairy-Free? Stick with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Decaf Option: Swap for decaf cold brew if you’re avoiding caffeine.
- Add a Flavor Twist: Try a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted chocolate vibe.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the coffee, protein powder, and milk together the night before and store it in the fridge. Add ice and toppings when you’re ready to enjoy.
How to Make It
1. Blend the Base:
In a blender or shaker bottle, combine the cold brew coffee, chocolate protein powder, almond milk, cocoa powder (if using), and sweetener. Blend until smooth and frothy.
2. Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the blended coffee mixture over the ice.
3. Top It Off
If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Pop in a straw, give it a little stir, and enjoy your deliciously refreshing drink!
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best made fresh, but you can store the blended coffee mixture (without the ice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake it up before pouring over fresh ice.
Wrap-Up
This Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee is seriously the best way to treat yourself while staying energized and fueled. It’s easy, delicious, and totally customizable. Give it a try, and let me know how you made it your own! Did you go heavy on the whipped cream, or keep it simple? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!