Tahini Iced Coffee: The Ultimate Creamy Coffee Twist You Need Now

If you love coffee, you know how fun it can be to shake up your routine. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered tahini iced coffee—a deliciously nutty twist on your usual morning cup. I still remember my first sip at a friend’s brunch; the creamy, slightly savory, chocolate-kissed blend was like a flavor adventure in a glass. It got me thinking about all the ways coffee can surprise us, just like the brunch club I used to host in Austin, where we’d gather every weekend, sharing laughs and sips over homemade lattes and flaky croissants. Today, I’ll share how to make your own tahini iced coffee, from frozen coffee cubes to a sesame-sprinkled rim, plus tips to get it just right. Get ready for an indulgent, yet simple recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.

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How I Fell for Tahini Iced Coffee

The Story Behind Tahini Iced Coffee

It was a hot, sticky Saturday in Austin when a friend handed me a glass of iced coffee with an unusual twist: tahini. I was skeptical at first—tahini in coffee? But that first sip stopped me in my tracks. The coffee was bold yet smooth, the tahini added a subtle nutty depth, and the hint of chocolate and vanilla brought it all together like magic. It reminded me of those early brunch club days when we’d experiment with whatever ingredients we had in the pantry, from cinnamon in pancakes to cardamom in oatmeal. That memory came flooding back with this drink, and it felt like rediscovering the joy of breakfast all over again.

So, I had to recreate it at home—and it turned out so much simpler than I thought! The key is using coffee ice cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down, plus a touch of raw tahini for creaminess. A little cocoa powder and maple syrup make it feel like a treat, and the vanilla and sea salt add just the right amount of balance. If you’re wondering, is tahini good in coffee?—absolutely. It’s rich, complex, and adds a silky texture you can’t get from milk alone.

This recipe pairs perfectly with other unique twists, like my fluffy matcha pancakes or a cashew butter toast, both of which you can find on my blog, recipesbreakfast.com. And if you’re ever craving more unexpected flavors, check out my post on homemade almond milk—it’s a game changer for coffee drinks too!

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What Makes This Recipe Special

What makes this tahini iced coffee stand out is its blend of simple ingredients that come together for a café-worthy experience at home. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a blender and a little patience while your coffee freezes into cubes. The frozen chocolate rim is optional, but trust me, it’s worth the extra step. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the dark chocolate shavings on top give it that final touch of indulgence.

If you’re used to grabbing an iced coffee at your local café, this recipe is a great way to switch things up. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, so you control the sweetness. The blend of tahini, cocoa, and vanilla creates a layered flavor that feels special yet effortless.

For more coffee inspiration, check out my pumpkin spice latte recipe or explore how to make a shaken espresso—I’ve shared an easy guide in another post that pairs beautifully with this iced coffee twist.

Making Your Tahini Iced Coffee at Home

Ingredients for the Perfect Sip

Making a tahini iced coffee at home is surprisingly easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The star, of course, is tahini—its creamy, slightly nutty flavor takes your coffee to the next level. The recipe also calls for unsweetened almond or cashew milk, which keeps the drink light, and coffee ice cubes that make sure your coffee stays bold and undiluted. Here’s the list:

• 12 coffee ice cubes (made from 1 cup dark roast coffee)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk, chilled
• 2 tablespoons raw tahini
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Dark chocolate shavings for garnish

For more fun variations, you can explore my recipe for a cashew milk iced latte or check out the oat milk guide on my site. They’re both fantastic dairy-free options for coffee lovers who enjoy trying new things.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get into the process! It’s as simple as blending and chilling, with an optional step that makes the presentation extra special.

Start by blending the coffee ice cubes with almond milk, tahini, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The longer you blend, the smoother the drink, but I like to leave a bit of frosty texture—especially on a hot Texas morning.

For the rim, freeze your glass for at least 20 minutes. Then melt the chocolate chips and dip the rim of the glass in the melted chocolate. Quickly dip the chocolate rim in sesame seeds before the chocolate hardens. This creates a beautiful, crunchy contrast to the smooth coffee.

Once that’s done, pour the blended tahini coffee into the glass and garnish with a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds.

Looking for another unique iced drink idea? You might love my take on a salted caramel cold brew or my chai-spiced iced coffee recipe—both perfect for anyone who likes to switch up their morning ritual.

The Secret to Flavor Balance in Tahini Iced Coffee

Why Tahini Works So Well in Coffee

So, you might be wondering, is tahini good in coffee? The answer is a resounding yes! Tahini has a subtle nuttiness that brings a unique depth to iced coffee, similar to the creaminess of a good milk alternative but with a more complex flavor. The earthy sesame paste pairs beautifully with the boldness of coffee, the richness of cocoa, and the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a drink that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Tahini is also loaded with healthy fats, giving your coffee a silky texture that’s hard to resist. It’s the same principle that makes nut butters great in smoothies—it adds creaminess without needing dairy. If you love experimenting with flavors, this is your perfect gateway to something new.

For more tips on building balanced flavors, I’ve shared my blueberry oatmeal pancakes recipe, which uses tahini as a topping, and my guide to dairy-free whipped cream that’s perfect on top of iced drinks like this one.

Sweetness Levels and Adjustments

If you’ve ever wondered, why is Thai iced coffee so sweet? it’s because traditional Thai coffee recipes use a combination of strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, which results in a very rich, dessert-like drink. My tahini iced coffee is a bit lighter, thanks to the unsweetened almond milk and the natural sweetness of maple syrup. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less maple syrup. For a bolder, more intense flavor, use a darker roast coffee for the cubes and blend less to keep it frosty.

If you’re interested in making a shaken coffee with tahini, like a shaken espresso, check out my shaken espresso recipe for tips on getting that perfect, foamy texture. And for those curious about how the pros make iced coffee, how does Gordon Ramsay make iced coffee?—he keeps it simple with quality ingredients and a focus on bold flavors, just like we do here.

Serving and Final Touches

Serving Your Tahini Iced Coffee Like a Pro

Once your tahini iced coffee is ready, presentation is key. Pour it into the prepared glass with the chocolate-sesame rim, and don’t forget the final sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings—it’s like the cherry on top. This drink isn’t just about flavor; it’s about creating a little moment of indulgence in your day, just like those Austin brunch mornings that sparked my passion for breakfast recipes.

You can serve it alongside a light brunch spread: think avocado toast with sesame seeds or banana oat muffins. The nuttiness of tahini complements baked goods and fruit-based treats beautifully. And if you’re curious about more creative coffee ideas, don’t miss my recipe for frozen coffee granita—it’s a delightful, icy twist that coffee fans will love.

Storage Tips and Variations

If you want to prep ahead, make a batch of coffee ice cubes and keep them in the freezer for up to a week. The blended drink itself is best enjoyed immediately for the best texture, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few hours—just give it a good stir before serving.

For variations, try using coconut milk for a tropical twist or hazelnut spread instead of tahini for a dessert-like treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the blend for a spiced version that’s perfect for cooler days.

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Conclusion

Tahini iced coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of unexpected flavors that turn your usual coffee into something special. From the smooth, nutty tahini to the sweet maple syrup and the rich, bold coffee, this recipe is a beautiful way to start your day or treat yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up. I hope you give it a try and let it become part of your morning ritual, just like it has in my kitchen here in Austin.

For more unique coffee creations, don’t forget to explore my salted caramel cold brew, cashew milk latte, and pumpkin spice latte—all easy, delicious, and perfect for your home café adventures.

FAQs About Tahini Iced Coffee