Coffee Smoothie Recipe: 7 Easy, Healthy & Tasty Coffee Smoothie Recipes

We all know what a smoothie is. But a coffee smoothie? Isn’t this taking things a bit too far?

Well, not really. This combo of coffee’s energy with a smoothie’s yumminess is super popular these days. It’s the perfect drink for when you need caffeine and something good for you. And lets be real, coffee smoothies are customizable, packed with benefits to make you look and feel fabulous.

So, if you’re a coffee fanatic, or just want to spritz up a regular smoothie, this how-to’s for you. Read on to learn all about these delicious drinks.

Overview: What Is a Coffee Smoothie?

A coffee smoothie is exactly what it sounds like – a delicious combination of coffee and smoothie ingredients.

At their core these smoothies combine coffee (usually cold brew, cooled espresso, drip or instant coffee) and base ingredients. These include bananas, dairy and non-dairy milk and yogurt. Optional add-ins like nut butters, protein powders, sweeteners and flavorings are also popular. Many people add ice, too. Ice not only chills the smoothie but also adds a satisfying thickness.

Coffee smoothies vary in taste and texture. There are the ever-popular rich, decadent creamy and vanilla-forward concoctions that resemble frappuccinos. Then, you have the lighter, fruit-forward versions with subtle coffee undertones.

But whatever the smoothie, its beauty lies in the balance. The slight bitterness of coffee should balance out the sweetness of fruits or creaminess of other ingredients.

What’s the History of Coffee Smoothies?

Coffee smoothies gained mainstream popularity in the late 2010s. Early adopters included boutique juice and smoothie chains and fitness influencers. As a result, these drinks bridged the gap between specialty coffee and health food. Best of all, they showcased coffee in a new light. It became “acceptable” to consume a coffee smoothie as a meal replacement.

With the rise of fourth-wave coffee, these smoothies have also given rise to innovative food products. Coffee-infused protein powders, RTD caffeinated smoothies and functional coffees (containing vitamins or adaptogens) have become increasingly popular. Clearly, what started as a niche trend has become a mainstay of American breakfast culture.

What’s the Best Coffee for a Smoothie?

The perfect brew for a coffee smoothie will depend on the flavor you want to achieve. Here are some options that I recommend:

Not all coffee is great for smoothies. Avoid coffee syrups; these are too sweet and artificial-tasting. Green coffee beans and grounds are another no-no; they impart a bitter taste and yucky texture.

Easy Coffee Smoothie Recipe

Tired of the same old coffee smoothie recipes? This one has a secret ingredient that transforms it from good to unforgettable – a hint of cardamom! It complements the coffee well while adding an aromatic Scandi twist:

Equipment

Ingredients

Method

Pro Tips:

Coffee Smoothie Recipe Variations

The beauty of recipes lies in how many ways you can make them. Ice and salt are optional for these variations below, but I do recommend adding them.

So without further delay, here are four of my favorite coffee smoothie variations to whet your appetite:

Mocha Coffee Smoothie Recipe

A decadent treat that combines coffee with chocolate in the best possible way. It typically contains:

The perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet chocolate makes this coffee smoothie stand out. It’s really a cafe mocha but in smoothie form. I would recommend adding chocolate chips or chocolate syrup before blending to make it even richer.

Coffee Fruit Smoothie Recipe

This refreshing fusion recipe pairs coffee with fruits. Common ingredients include:

The fruit’s natural sweetness and bright acidity will complement a fruity African coffee like a Kenyan, Burundian or Ethiopian. Notably, the fruit also reduces the need for added sugar. I sometimes include leafy greens for a nutritional boost.

Coffee Smoothie With Yogurt Recipe

A probiotic-rich option, this smoothie features coffee and yogurt as co-stars. It typically contains:

The tang from the yogurt balances coffee’s bitterness while adding probiotic cultures and protein. The result is a pleasant and thick consistency, much like a milkshake but with yogurt’s nutritional benefits. Top with granola for a delightful crunch.

Coffee Protein Smoothie Recipe

This is the coffee smoothie for you if you’re searching for a fitness recipe that you can use as a meal replacement or as post-workout replenishment. It features:

What makes this smoothie stand out is its nutritional quality. Beyond coffee’s caffeine content, it provides sustained energy and satiety from the protein and fats.

I also sometimes add nutritious add-ins like chia seeds, flaxseed or MCT oil to enhance the nutritional content. The macronutrient ratio makes it a gym favorite post-workout.

Espresso Smoothies

Espresso smoothies are also in the game! These provide a much-needed caffeine boost without the calories. Something to remember is that this smoothie will be smaller due to the amount of coffee used.

Again, salt and ice are not required, but they add a certain je ne sais quoi to this recipe.. So I recommend adding these ingredients if you can. These recipes will work equally well with coffee from any of my best espresso machine or best super automatic espresso machine picks.

Banana Espresso Smoothie

This smoothie is the epitome of a creamy coffee punch. It combines:

I love how beautifully the mellow sweetness and creaminess of banana smoothen espressos bitterness. This leads to an otherwise not overly sweet smoothie which I’m positive will pleasure the coffee as well as health fanatics.

You especially would love it if you feel pure espresso is far too intense. Sprinkle over a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder to kick it up even more.

Chocolate Espresso Smoothie

This recipe is the ultimate indulgence for mocha lovers. It brings together the boldness of espresso and rich chocolate flavors. Key ingredients include:

This coffee smoothie has a sophisticated, dessert-like quality. It very much reminds me of an Italian affogato al caffe but in drinkable form.

The chocolate ramps up espresso’s natural undertones while adding complexity. Boost this smoothie recipe by adding chocolate protein powder for an extra nutritional kick. I sometimes top it with chocolate-covered espresso beans for extra crunch.

Peanut Butter Espresso Smoothie

This satisfying, protein-rich recipe has an unexpected but delightful flavor. It features:

The rich, nutty flavors of peanut butter bring out espresso’s dark-roasted, slightly bitter notes. Additionally, protein and healthy fats in peanut butter delay the absorption of caffeine.

When I’m feeling it, I add a pinch of Maldon sea salt to enhance the sweet-savory contrast and counteract the bitter flavors of the coffee. I also add some cocoa powder for a Reese’s-peanut-butter-cup vibe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you now have all the knowledge you need to create your perfect smoothie blend at home. My personal favorite? The peanut butter espresso smoothie. It delivers the perfect balance of creamy sweetness, coffee intensity and nutritional value. And it powers me through busy mornings.

But, you see, that’s the beauty of these smoothies – they’re endlessly customizable. 

No matter what your taste buds and dietary requirements are, there’s a coffee smoothie that delivers.

So, what are you waiting for? Dig out that blender, grab your best coffee beans and start experimenting. Happy blending and even happier sipping!

Coffee Smoothie FAQ