Tahini Iced Coffee – Creamy, Nutty, and Boldly Refreshing

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The first time I added tahini to my coffee, it was a total accident. I had just returned from a weekend market where I bought a fresh jar of tahini—thicker than usual, almost fudge-like—and out of habit, I added a spoonful to my blender instead of almond butter. Curious (and too stubborn to waste coffee), I gave it a whirl with ice, oat milk, and a splash of maple syrup. The result? Smooth, nutty, and utterly addictive. From that moment, tahini iced coffee became my new summer obsession.

There’s something luxurious about pairing bold cold brew with earthy, velvety tahini. It’s not too sweet—unless you want it to be—and it’s plant-based without sacrificing texture or flavor. Unlike traditional creamers that just dilute the drink, tahini adds body and richness with a toasty, sesame-forward profile. Think iced latte meets halva, but with zero fuss and way more attitude.

A French Girl’s Twist on Summer Coffee

In Provence, we’d sip espresso after lunch, always outside, always with a breeze. This is my modern take: something iced, something creamy, something with character. Tahini iced coffee fits right into my morning rhythm now—whether I’m recipe testing or catching up with emails from my sunny kitchen window.

It’s surprisingly versatile too. I often serve it alongside fruit-forward brunch favorites like tropical custard toast, or keep it chilled in the fridge to pour over ice mid-afternoon. For more relaxed, make-ahead ideas, check out my Breakfast & Brunch collection.

Whether you’re a coffee purist or a flavor explorer, this recipe just might convert you.

Ingredients & Prep Tips

The magic of tahini iced coffee lies in its simplicity—no fancy syrups or barista gear required. You just need a few pantry staples and a blender (or even a mason jar with a tight lid). The result is a creamy, nutty, caffeine-laced treat that feels both refreshing and indulgent.

What You’ll Need for the Creamiest Tahini Coffee

Here’s a basic formula that you can tweak based on your taste or what’s in your fridge:

• ½ cup cold brew or strong chilled coffee
• ¾ cup plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy work best)
• 1 tablespoon tahini (runny, not dry or clumpy)
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or date syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Ice cubes

You can blend everything for a smooth, frothy drink or shake it all together in a mason jar for a quicker prep. The tahini adds just enough body and depth—without making your coffee too heavy. It’s a similar trick I use in cottage cheese ice cream, where a creamy element balances flavor without dairy overload.

Sweetness, Balance, and Customization Tips

Adjust sweetness to your liking. If you enjoy bolder coffee, keep the maple minimal. Want something closer to a frozen latte? Add a few ice cubes to the blender and go for a frothy texture.

For a breakfast-friendly version, pour it over a scoop of your key lime pie overnight oats. The acidity of citrus plays beautifully with tahini’s richness.

You can also prep the base ahead of time and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for 2–3 days—just shake or stir before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making tahini iced coffee takes less time than waiting in line at your favorite café—and it tastes better too. Whether you blend it for a frothy finish or shake it for a quick pour, the result is smooth, nutty, and wildly satisfying.

Blend, Brew, Chill: Building Flavor

Step 1: Brew your coffee.
Use strong cold brew, espresso, or double-strength brewed coffee that’s been chilled. You want a bold base to balance the richness of the tahini.

Step 2: Prep your ingredients.
Measure out your tahini, plant-based milk, sweetener, and vanilla if using. Be sure your tahini is smooth and pourable—thicker tahini can create lumps unless blended well.

Step 3: Chill your glass.
This small step keeps the drink colder longer, especially important if you’re skipping a blender and pouring over ice directly.

Ice, Froth, Pour: Serving Like a Barista

Step 4: Blend it.
Add coffee, milk, tahini, sweetener, and vanilla to a blender. Toss in a few ice cubes and blend for 15–20 seconds. The drink should be creamy and slightly foamy.

Step 5: Pour and garnish.
Fill your chilled glass with ice, pour the tahini coffee over it, and dust with cinnamon or sesame seeds if you’re feeling extra.

Or, skip the blender and shake everything in a tightly sealed jar—just like I do when I’m packing overnight Weetabix for a quick breakfast.

For a brunch pairing that’ll steal the show, serve with a bowl of fruit salsa and cinnamon chips. The contrast between creamy and fresh is irresistible.

Variations & Pairings

Tahini iced coffee is just the beginning. Whether you love a bold brew or lean sweet and spicy, this drink adapts beautifully. Let’s explore how to make it your own—and what to serve alongside it.

Spicy, Sweet, or Chocolatey? Make It Yours

Spiced Tahini Coffee:
Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or a splash of chai concentrate to bring warmth to the cool nuttiness. A dusting of cinnamon on top also enhances the flavor and makes it brunch-ready.

Chocolate Tahini Iced Mocha:
Blend in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and bump up the maple syrup slightly. The combo of tahini and chocolate is rich and slightly indulgent—without being over-the-top.

Frozen Tahini Coffee:
Want a texture closer to a frappuccino? Use frozen coffee cubes and blend everything for a creamy, icy sip that feels like dessert. This method makes it perfect to pair with lighter meals like a green veggie lemon orzo salad.

Coconut Cream Twist:
Swap half the milk for full-fat coconut milk and you’ve got a tropical-tahini hybrid. A few toasted coconut flakes on top? Chef’s kiss.

What to Serve with Tahini Iced Coffee

Pair it with something refreshing and balanced. The drink’s bold, nutty profile makes it ideal next to:

• A fruit-forward dish like fruit salsa with cinnamon chips
• Savory bites such as pickle in a blanket—surprisingly good with creamy drinks
• Anything sweet-but-not-too-sweet, like tropical custard toast

It also works beautifully with any make-ahead breakfast or light lunch, which makes it a go-to for weekends and workdays alike.

FAQs About Tahini Iced Coffee

Conclusion

Tahini iced coffee is one of those small, happy discoveries that turns a routine sip into something special. It’s rich without being heavy, bold without bitterness, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re savoring it slowly on a Sunday morning or grabbing a quick pour before work, this creamy, nutty twist is guaranteed to surprise and delight.

Pair it with a scoop of overnight Weetabix or a plate of fruit salsa and cinnamon chips for a complete and crave-worthy start to your day.

Want more recipes inspiration and to connect with like-minded home cooks? Join our vibrant Facebook group, Today’s Recipe, Tomorrow’s Favorite, and share your best brunch creations!

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