Coffee culture has evolved beyond the classic latte or cappuccino, and in recent years, creative twists have taken over café menus and TikTok feeds. One of the latest unique flavor combinations winning over coffee lovers is Tahini Iced Coffee.
This smooth, nutty, and slightly savory drink draws inspiration from Middle Eastern flavors, blending the roasted richness of sesame paste with the bold taste of coffee. The result? A café-worthy iced coffee that’s creamy without dairy, energizing without being overly sweet, and absolutely unforgettable.
Why Tahini in Coffee?
Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds is most often used in savory dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and salad dressings. But in the Middle East, it also appears in desserts and drinks, lending a deep, nutty creaminess that complements both sweet and bitter flavors.
When paired with coffee, tahini acts much like a nut butter:
- It adds body and creaminess without dairy or artificial creamers.
- Its natural oils create a silky texture.
- Its earthy notes balance the bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of syrups.
This makes tahini iced coffee a great option for those who are vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just adventurous with their flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes one tall glass of Tahini Iced Coffee. Double or triple it for a bigger batch.
For the Coffee Base:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (or chilled espresso diluted with water)
- Ice cubes
For the Tahini Cream:
- 1 ½ tbsp tahini (well-stirred to avoid separation)
- 2–3 tsp maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- ½ cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work best)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (enhances flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Coffee
If making from scratch, brew your cold brew concentrate overnight or prepare a double shot of espresso and chill it with ice.
2. Make the Tahini Cream
In a blender or shaker bottle, combine tahini, plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Blend or shake until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be pourable, not too thick.
3. Assemble the Drink
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the cold brew over the ice.
- Slowly drizzle in the tahini cream, letting it swirl for a marbled effect.
- Stir just before drinking.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced Tahini Coffee – Add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a warm, chai-like flavor.
- Chocolate Tahini Iced Coffee – Blend in cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a mocha twist.
- Salted Caramel Tahini Coffee – Swap maple syrup for caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Matcha-Tahini Iced Latte – Replace coffee with matcha for a green tea version.
Why This Recipe Works
The nutty richness of tahini pairs beautifully with coffee’s bitterness, while the maple syrup or honey adds just enough sweetness to balance the flavors. Plant-based milk keeps the drink light and vegan-friendly, while still delivering a barista-style creaminess.
Best of all, it’s:
- Quick to make — under 5 minutes.
- Customizable — sweeten or spice it up as you like.
- Healthy-ish — no heavy creamers or refined sugar needed.
Serving Suggestions
Tahini iced coffee pairs wonderfully with Middle Eastern-inspired breakfasts such as:
- Date-filled pastries
- Sesame bagels
- Vegan banana bread
- Labneh with pita and fruit
It’s also a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up when you want something different from your usual latte.
Related Recipe: The TikTok Viral Green Goddess Salad – another healthy, plant-based trend with bold flavors.
Also Try: Viral Lasagna Soup Recipe – a comforting, savory dish for dinner.
Learn more about the history and culinary uses of tahini from Serious Eats’ Tahini Guide for deeper inspiration.
Final Thoughts
Tahini Iced Coffee is proof that coffee trends don’t have to be complicated to be unique and exciting. By combining the familiar richness of coffee with the unexpected nuttiness of tahini, you get a drink that’s:
- Creamy without cream
- Sweet without being cloying
- Complex in flavor without requiring fancy equipment
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or simply curious to try something new, this drink offers a refreshing taste of Middle Eastern flavor with a modern twist.
So, next time you reach for your usual iced latte, give tahini a try — your taste buds will thank you.
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