Ingredients

For the Cold Brew:

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium-dark roast recommended)
  • 4 cups cold, filtered water
  • Ice cubes

For the Protein Foam:

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1 scoop (about 25g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

Equipment:

  • Large jar or pitcher (for cold brew)
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Milk frother or small blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tall glass for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Cold Brew:

  1. Grind the Coffee: Coarsely grind 1 cup of coffee beans to a texture similar to coarse sea salt.
  2. Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated.
  3. Steep: Cover the jar and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12–18 hours.
  4. Strain: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the coffee grounds. The cold brew concentrate can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  5. Dilute (Optional): For a lighter coffee, dilute the cold brew with additional cold water (1:1 ratio) before serving.

Make the Protein Foam:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or cup, mix 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 scoop of protein powder, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract (if using).
  2. Frother Method: Use a handheld milk frother to blend the mixture until it becomes thick and foamy, about 30–60 seconds.
  3. Blender Method (Alternative): Blend the mixture in a small blender on high speed for 20–30 seconds until frothy.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the foam is too thick, add 1–2 tsp more almond milk and froth again.

Assemble the Drink:

  1. Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour Cold Brew: Pour 1 cup of cold brew (diluted or undiluted, based on preference) over the ice.
  3. Add Protein Foam: Gently spoon or pour the protein foam over the cold brew, creating a layered effect.
  4. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for extra flavor.

Serve:

  • Stir gently before drinking to combine the foam with the cold brew, or enjoy the foam as a creamy top layer.
  • Best served chilled.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

  • Calories: 100–150 kcal (varies with protein powder and sweetener)
  • Protein: 20–25g (depending on protein powder)
  • Caffeine: ~100–200mg (depending on coffee strength)

Tips:

  • Coffee Strength: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio for a stronger or milder brew (e.g., 1:3 for stronger, 1:5 for milder).
  • Foam Variations: Experiment with flavored protein powders (e.g., chocolate or caramel) for different tastes.
  • Storage: Store leftover cold brew in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare fresh protein foam for each serving for best texture.

Enjoy your energizing and protein-packed Cold Brew with Protein Foam!