Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is an art form. It takes practice and dedication, and the same holds true for making a wonderfully creamy and protein-packed protein-coffee drink. The good news is, making a coffee protein drink is easy, and anyone can do it. All you need is the right ingredients, some creativity and the desire to make something unique and healthy.
If you’re looking to replace your morning smoothie with a cup of protein-coffee, then read on! Here are our top tips on how to make a coffee protein drink that every coffee and health enthusiast can enjoy.
Choose the Best Coffee
The first decision you need to make when crafting your protein-coffee drink is which blend of coffee to use. Finding a great-tasting coffee with enough caffeination and the perfect amount of protein is key. Selecting an organic or fair-trade blend is always a good idea because you don’t have to worry about pesticides, artificial flavors or added sugar. Coffee is also high in antioxidants, so selecting a blend that’s high in antioxidants is important for a healthy cup of coffee protein drink.
Once you’ve selected the perfect blend of coffee beans, it’s time to brew them. In general, it’s best to use a French press or an AeroPress to make the most flavorful cup of coffee. Both of these brewing methods allow all of the unique flavors and aromas of the coffee grounds to come through. Depending on how strong you like your coffee, you can adjust the amount of grounds you’d like to add.
Add a Protein Boost
The next step is to add a protein boost to your coffee protein drink. You can add protein powder to your coffee, which will give your coffee a creamy, thick texture as well as add protein. If you don’t have any protein powder, you can use alternative protein sources, such as nut butters, Greek yogurt or flaxseed. Whichever option you choose, be sure to check the ingredients on the label to make sure everything is natural and there are no added preservatives or sweeteners.
If you use protein powder, be sure to select one that is specifically designed for mixing in drinks. You can choose to go with whey or plant-based protein, depending on your taste and nutritional needs. To sweeten the coffee protein drink, you do not have to use sugar or artificial sweeteners; coconut palm sugar or stevia are better choices.
Experiment With Flavors
Once you have selected the coffee and protein, it’s time to get creative. Flavorings and infusions can make your coffee protein drink unique, delicious and even healthier. Adding cinnamon or cardamom can add a wonderful flavor infusion, plus both of these spices have great health benefits. Coconut oil or almond milk can give your coffee protein drink a creamy texture, and adding a teaspoon of honey will add a nice sweetness without being overly sugary.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, then you might want to consider adding a few more exotic ingredients, such as maca powder or turmeric. Both of these ingredients are incredibly healthy and add an awesome earthy flavor to your coffee protein drink. You can also experiment with different types of nut milks (almond, hazelnut, cashew, etc.) or even a hint of cinnamon. Be sure to taste as you go to get the perfect blend.
Blend to Perfection
Once you’ve got all the flavors right, it’s time to blend your coffee protein drink. It’s best to use a blender for this part as it will give you a wonderfully creamy texture. However, if you don’t have a blender, you can also go for a hand-held frother to mix the ingredients. Just make sure that you don’t over-mix your drink, as this can make it overly sweet and damage the flavor of the coffee.
Also, it’s important to adjust the ratio of liquid to solids; too much liquid can dilute the flavor of the coffee, while too much solids can make the drink overly thick and heavy. Adjust the mix to your taste, and you’ll soon have the perfect cup of creamy, protein-packed coffee.
Enjoy!
Once you’ve made your coffee, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and savor it. Take a few slow and deep breaths and allow yourself to relax and let the flavors, aromas and nutrients take you away. Then, start your day off with a smile in your heart and a healthy, energizing start.
Other Healthy Ingredients
If you’re looking to make your coffee protein drink even healthier, there are plenty of other ingredients that you can add to amp up the nutritional value. For example, adding a tablespoon of flaxseed or hemp seed oil can give your coffee a healthy dose of omega-3s, while a tablespoon of chia seeds can provide fiber, protein and antioxidants.
Adding half a scoop of collagen powder can also be beneficial. Collagen provides important proteins that are essential for healthy joints and hair and skin, as well as energy and vitality. If you’re looking for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals, then adding a teaspoon of acai powder can give your coffee the perfect antioxidant boost.
Another great addition is a tablespoon of cacao nibs. Cacao is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which can help boost your immunity and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Boost your Metabolism
Finally, if you’re looking for a way to supercharge your metabolism, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your coffee protein drink. Apple cider vinegar is an awesome source of probiotics and can help boost your metabolism and energy levels, as well as reduce cravings, flush out toxins and reduce inflammation.
You can also try adding half a teaspoon of powdered ginger, which is loaded with antioxidants and has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Cayenne pepper is also great for increasing metabolism and giving your coffee protein drink a bit of spice.
Use Herbs to Enhance Flavour
Herbs are a great way to add flavor and health benefits to your coffee protein drink. For example, a teaspoon of turmeric can give your drink great flavor and health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. You can also add a teaspoon of maca powder, which is packed with minerals, amino acids and vitamins.
If you’re looking for a caffeine-free alternative, then adding some herbal tea can be a great option. Chamomile, for example, is a great herb that is known for its calming and relaxing properties. Matcha green tea is another great option as it is high in antioxidants and also has calming properties.
For a cold coffee protein drink, adding a handful of fresh mint leaves is a great way to give it a refreshing and soothing flavor, as well as provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Experiment With Different Alternatives
Making a coffee protein drink can be an awesome way to start the day on a healthy note, and it can also be fun and creative too. Try to experiment with different alternatives each day, or create your own signature version with all your favorite ingredients. There are so many flavors and coffee blends out there, so get creative and enjoy the process!
