Making a coffee smoothie? Simple and creamy recipe

Craving coffee, but want something different from a regular iced coffee? Then a coffee smoothie is a tasty and quick way to combine coffee with a creamy smoothie full of flavour.

Yet coffee smoothies often turn out too watery, too bitter or far too heavy. With the right balance between coffee, banana and ice, you get a fresh, smooth smoothie that works perfectly as breakfast or a snack.

In this recipe you will learn step by step how to make a coffee smoothie, which coffee works best and how to make the smoothie extra creamy.

What is a coffee smoothie?

A coffee smoothie is a creamy mix of coffee, fruit, milk and ice cubes. You can think of it as a combination of a smoothie and an iced coffee: refreshing, smooth in flavour and often a little more filling than ordinary cold coffee.

The difference from a regular iced coffee lies mainly in the texture. An iced coffee stays more liquid, while a coffee smoothie feels thicker and fuller thanks to the fruit and any extra ingredients such as oats or yoghurt.

What is the base of a coffee smoothie?

In many recipes, banana forms the base. It provides a creamy texture and makes the smoothie naturally a little sweeter. Together with cold coffee and ice, you get a fresh drink that works well as breakfast, a snack or a quick energy boost.

Recipe information & ingredients

For 1 glass you need the following:

Recipe information

• Preparation time: 5 minutes
• Quantity: 1 large glass
• Category: Coffee recipe / Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 120 ml cooled coffee or espresso
• 150 ml milk or plant-based milk
• 4 to 6 ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oats (optional, for extra filling)

Equipment

• Blender
• Tall glass
• Straw or spoon

Preparation instructions

1. First brew a strong coffee or espresso and let it cool completely. Hot coffee makes the smoothie thin and melts the ice faster.
2. Put the banana, cooled coffee, milk and ice cubes in the blender. Add honey or oats if you like, for extra flavour and filling.
3. Blend everything for about 30 seconds until the smoothie is smooth and creamy. Is the smoothie too thick? Then add a small splash of extra milk.
4. Pour the coffee smoothie into a tall glass and serve straight away.
5. Want the smoothie extra cold? Then use frozen banana instead of fresh banana. That instantly gives an even creamier texture.

Serving tips and variations

With a few small adjustments, you can easily give your coffee smoothie a different flavour or texture. That way you can make it exactly how you like it.

Extra creamy

Use frozen banana or add a spoonful of Greek yoghurt. This makes the smoothie thicker and smoother in flavour.

More coffee flavour

Use a double espresso or cold brew instead of regular filter coffee. This gives a more powerful coffee flavour without extra bitterness.

Healthier version

Leave out the honey or syrup and use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk.

Extra filling

Add oats, chia seeds or a scoop of protein powder. This keeps the smoothie filling for longer and makes it work well as breakfast.

Without banana

Use avocado or a few tablespoons of yoghurt as an alternative for a creamy texture.

More towards iced coffee

Add some vanilla ice cream for a smoother, more dessert-like coffee smoothie.

Which coffee do you use for a coffee smoothie?

The coffee has a big influence on the flavour of your smoothie. If you use a mild coffee, the smoothie stays smooth and easy-going. If you choose a strong coffee, it gains more character and depth.

For a coffee smoothie, these types of coffee work really well:

• Espresso: Provides a powerful coffee flavour without adding much liquid. Ideal if you love a clear coffee taste.
• Filter coffee: A little milder and more accessible. Do brew the coffee a bit stronger than usual, so the flavour does not get lost between the milk and banana.
• Cold brew: Gives a smooth and less bitter flavour. Especially nice in summer or when your smoothie needs to stay extra fresh.

Always let the coffee cool down well before you start blending. Hot coffee melts the ice too quickly, which makes the smoothie watery.

Freshly ground coffee beans also make a difference. They often give you more aroma and a fuller coffee flavour in your smoothie.