This drink brings together cold brew coffee and luscious tahini for a deliciously nutty and smooth experience. Blending the tahini with maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt creates a rich base that, when stirred into iced coffee and finished with plant milk, yields an ultra-creamy finish. Ideal for those who crave a vegan or dairy-free alternative, this beverage is quick to make and customizable for sweetness and flavor. Add cinnamon or cardamom for a twist, and garnish with cocoa powder or a tahini drizzle for visual appeal. Whether served at breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up, it's a satisfying coffee treat.
This creamy and invigorating Tahini Iced Coffee is my go-to treat when I need a pick-me-up that feels both comforting and adventurous. By swirling luxurious tahini into smooth cold brew, you get a satisfying nutty richness that turns an everyday glass of iced coffee into something unexpectedly special. Whether you are dairy-free, vegan, or just in the mood for a café-worthy coffee at home, this recipe is about to become your new staple.
The first time I made this, I was searching for a dairy-free cold coffee that felt indulgent. That nutty tahini swirl made it feel café-luxe. Now it is my favorite afternoon ritual on warm days.
Ingredients
- Strong cold brew coffee: Use a robust blend freshly brewed or store-bought cold brew for best flavor
- Tahini: Well stirred and smooth Choose high quality tahini that tastes mellow rather than bitter
- Maple syrup or honey: Brings gentle sweetness Use pure maple for vegan or local honey for extra depth
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out flavors Opt for real vanilla over imitation
- Sea salt: Just a pinch brightens and balances the sweetness
- Plant-based milk: Almond oat or soy all work Look for unsweetened and creamy varieties for best texture
- Ice cubes: Chills and dilutes slightly High quality filtered ice keeps the taste clean
Instructions
- Prepare the Tahini Mixture:
- Whisk tahini with maple syrup vanilla and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl or pitcher. Make sure the tahini is completely smooth and homogeneous to avoid any lumps in your drink.
- Fill the Glasses:
- Build your foundation by packing tall glasses with ice cubes. This chills the drink instantly and helps create those gorgeous swirls.
- Pour in the Coffee:
- Divide the cold brew coffee equally between your glasses over the ice. Cold brew adds smoothness and minimizes bitterness so take your time pouring for a dramatic layered look.
- Add the Tahini Blend:
- Top each glass with half of the tahini mixture. Stir thoroughly so the tahini fully combines with the coffee making sure to reach the bottom of the glass.
- Finish with Milk:
- Pour your plant-based milk of choice over each glass. Give it a gentle stir to achieve a creamy and well-mixed consistency.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Take a quick sip and adjust sweetness if needed with an extra drizzle of syrup. Serve right away for maximum refreshment.
I love the flavor tahini brings this is the very ingredient that gives this cold coffee its personality. My family tried it together the first time on a sunny Sunday brunch and it became an instant favorite.
Storage Tips
If you want to prep ahead whisk the tahini blend and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to three days. Only mix with coffee and milk when ready to serve to keep things silky smooth. Preassembled drinks are best enjoyed fresh since the flavor and texture are most vibrant right away.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup to suit your flavor preferences. If you are not vegan regular honey is excellent. Any plant-based milk works for this but if you want a less pronounced flavor try unsweetened almond milk. For a special treat canned coconut milk makes it extra creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cold over extra-large ice cubes for slow sipping. Garnish with a drizzle of tahini and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a coffeehouse finish. Sometimes I enjoy mine alongside buttery shortbread or crisp biscotti which really compliments the nutty profile.
Cultural and Historical Context
Tahini is a beloved Middle Eastern staple often featured in both sweet and savory dishes. Bringing it into iced coffee is a fun twist on classic Turkish coffee traditions where ground sesame and nuts are sometimes blended for a creamy effect. This iced coffee captures that heritage while feeling fresh and modern.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a pinch of cardamom in autumn for a cosier feel In summertime swap some ice for frozen coffee cubes to prevent dilution Stir in a dash of orange zest or rose water in spring for an aromatic lift
Success Stories
My cousin texted me after serving this at her book club brunch all her friends asked for the recipe. One reader emailed to say her kids now request the tahini coffee as their weekend mocktail treat.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze leftover cold brew in ice cube trays then use those coffee cubes in place of regular ice for extra strength and zero watering down. The tahini blend can also be prepared ahead and frozen in small portions ready for a quick blend on hot afternoons.
Enjoy this icy, nutty treat whenever you need a refreshing break. Tahini Iced Coffee will quickly become your new afternoon go-to.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What does tahini add to iced coffee?
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Tahini lends a nutty, creamy richness that complements cold brew's deep flavors and creates a smooth texture.
- → Can I adjust sweetness levels?
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Absolutely! Add maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to taste and stir well to blend the flavors.
- → Which plant-based milk works best?
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Almond, oat, or soy milk blend nicely. Each offers a distinct flavor and creaminess for the drink.
- → Are there flavor variations I can try?
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Add cinnamon, cardamom, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Garnish with a tahini drizzle for extra flair.
- → Is this drink suitable for vegans?
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Yes, using plant-based milk and sweeteners like maple syrup ensures it's vegan-friendly and dairy-free.
- → Does tahini affect the texture?
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Tahini creates a velvety texture and a full-bodied mouthfeel, making the beverage uniquely satisfying.