If you’re a coffee lover always chasing the next great sip, tahini iced coffee might just become your newest obsession. This nutty, creamy, and unexpectedly rich drink is the perfect twist on your regular iced latte—and it’s taking over TikTok and Instagram for a reason.
Made from just a few ingredients—espresso, tahini (yes, the same one you use in hummus), milk, and a touch of maple or honey—this is a refreshing drink that surprises you with its subtle sweetness and earthy depth. Think Middle Eastern flair meets modern café cool. And the best part? You can easily make it at home in under 5 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option, something low in sugar, or a new flavor profile that actually nourishes while it energizes, tahini iced coffee delivers. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes this drink so special, how to prepare it (iced or frozen), and answer your top questions about it.
Looking for inspiration? Try this Pickle Lemonade Recipe—a wild twist that also went viral!
Let’s get into the creamy, nutty magic of this trending drink.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Rise of Tahini Iced Coffee in 2025
What is Tahini Iced Coffee and Why is It Trending?
Tahini iced coffee is exactly what it sounds like—a cold coffee beverage made with tahini, the sesame paste traditionally found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. While you might associate tahini with hummus or salad dressings, its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it an ideal match for bold espresso or strong brewed coffee.
This drink first gained popularity at boutique cafes in cities like New York and Los Angeles, where adventurous baristas started blending tahini into lattes. But what really launched it into mainstream attention was the viral spread on TikTok and Instagram. Influencers began whipping up at-home versions, each one showcasing different variations with plant-based milks, maple syrup, and unique spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
In 2025, the drink exploded. Its balanced blend of nutty, sweet, and bitter flavors—plus its visual appeal when layered over ice—made it a top trending coffee recipe. Plus, it fits perfectly into modern preferences: dairy-free, low-sugar, protein-rich, and naturally vegan if you want it to be.
The Influence of TikTok and Instagram Coffee Culture
Just like whipped dalgona coffee or cold brew with orange juice before it, tahini iced coffee owes its popularity to social media. The aesthetic is part of the charm—tahini swirls through dark espresso, creamy milk layers on top, and the whole thing gets served in a chilled glass that screams “café cool.”
But more than just visuals, content creators loved that this drink is:
- Easy to make at home
- Highly customizable (sweetness, creaminess, caffeine level)
- Health-forward with added protein and healthy fats
- Different enough to intrigue people tired of basic iced lattes
Within a few short months, this sesame-spiked sensation moved from foodies to the general public. Now it’s becoming a staple in modern brunch menus and home barista routines alike.
And if you’re a fan of viral drink trends, don’t miss our Butterfly Pea guide—it’s another Instagram-famous drink you’ll want to try next!
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Tahini Iced Coffee – The Creamy, Nutty Summer Drink You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 shot of espresso or ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon tahini (smooth, unsweetened)
½–1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Pinch of sea salt (optional)
¾ cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
Ice cubes
Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for topping or blending)
Instructions
Brew your coffee using espresso, a moka pot, or cold brew. Let it cool slightly.
In a glass or shaker, whisk together tahini, sweetener, coffee, and sea salt until smooth.
Add ice to your serving glass.
Pour the milk over the ice and tahini-coffee mix.
Stir gently or use a milk frother to create a creamy texture.
Optionally, top with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Enjoy immediately!
Notes
For a vegan version, use oat or almond milk and maple syrup.
Want a frothy finish? Blend all ingredients for 15 seconds or shake vigorously in a sealed jar.
Adjust sweetness based on your tahini’s bitterness.
Try adding 1 tsp cocoa for a tahini mocha version.
Use frozen coffee cubes instead of ice for stronger flavor without dilution.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: Fusion / Middle Eastern-Inspired
What Makes Tahini Good in Coffee?
The Flavor Chemistry: Nutty Tahini Meets Bitter Espresso
At first glance, tahini and coffee might seem like an odd couple. But when these two bold flavors meet, they strike an unexpectedly smooth harmony. Tahini’s rich, sesame nuttiness tempers the bitter edge of espresso, creating a rounded, deeply flavorful profile that feels both indulgent and sophisticated.
The bitterness of coffee softens under the creamy texture of tahini, while the sesame notes add earthiness that’s more complex than what you’d get from almond or oat milk. The result? A drink that’s subtly sweet, slightly savory, and incredibly balanced.
Nutritional Benefits: Healthy Fats, Protein, and Antioxidants
Beyond taste, tahini brings serious nutritional value to your cup. It’s loaded with plant-based protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. This means your iced coffee isn’t just energizing—it’s nourishing.
- 1 tablespoon of tahini offers about 3 grams of protein, healthy fats, and key minerals for heart and bone health.
- Unlike artificial creamers, tahini is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free from additives.
- The added protein and fat slow caffeine absorption slightly, giving you a more stable energy boost.
Don’t miss our Pistachio Butter recipe—it pairs well with this drink and adds a whole new layer of superfood flavor to your snack game.
How to Make the Perfect Tahini Iced Coffee at Home
Basic 5-Ingredient Recipe: Simple & Quick
Making tahini iced coffee is surprisingly simple. You only need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Espresso or Cold Brew | 1 shot or 1/3 cup |
| Tahini | 1 tablespoon |
| Maple Syrup or Honey | ½ – 1 tablespoon |
| Milk (any kind) | ¾ cup |
| Ice | A handful |
| Pinch of salt or cinnamon (optional) | To taste |
Instructions:
- Brew espresso or strong coffee; let it cool.
- In a glass, stir tahini, sweetener, and coffee together.
- Add ice, pour in milk, stir, and enjoy.
Customizations: Dairy-Free, Vegan, or Low-Sugar Options
This drink is endlessly customizable:
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk. Look for barista blends for better froth.
- Low-Sugar: Use unsweetened almond milk and swap maple for a low-glycemic option like monk fruit syrup.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of vanilla extract, cardamom, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
You can also blend everything for a smooth, café-style finish or shake it vigorously in a mason jar with ice for a quick mix.
Thai Iced Coffee vs. Tahini Iced Coffee
Why Thai Iced Coffee is So Sweet: Condensed Milk Origins
Thai iced coffee is beloved for its bold flavor—but it’s also incredibly sweet. The traditional recipe calls for dark roast coffee, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, which creates its signature caramel-like sweetness.
The use of condensed milk is cultural—it’s shelf-stable, creamy, and quick to use. But it also means your drink is often packed with over 20 grams of sugar per cup, not ideal for those watching their intake.
Is Thai Iced Coffee Healthy Compared to Tahini-Based Versions?
While Thai iced coffee offers great taste, tahini iced coffee wins in the nutrition department. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Drink Type | Sugar | Protein | Dairy-Free | Healthy Fats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Iced Coffee | High | Low | No (usually) | Low |
| Tahini Iced Coffee | Low | Medium | Yes (optional) | High |
So if you’re aiming for better energy levels, stable blood sugar, and healthy fats, tahini is the way to go.
Looking for another smart, sweet drink? Don’t miss our Rice Krispie Ice Cream post for a frozen twist that’s surprisingly protein-rich.
Frozen Tahini Coffee Variations
How to Make Frozen Tahini Coffee (Blender & Ice Hack)
Frozen tahini coffee is a next-level upgrade that turns your drink into a frappé-style delight.
Here’s how to do it:
- Brew espresso and let it cool.
- Add coffee, tahini, maple syrup, and milk into a blender.
- Toss in a cup of ice and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled glass, top with cinnamon or cocoa, and sip.
Optional Add-ons:
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder for a mocha tahini version
- ½ frozen banana for thickness and natural sweetness
- A splash of vanilla for extra depth
Iced vs Frozen: Texture, Flavor, and Serving Tips
Iced tahini coffee is quicker and lighter, while frozen tahini coffee has a milkshake-like consistency. It’s perfect as a summer dessert drink or a post-workout cooler.
For best results, freeze leftover coffee into cubes and blend for a stronger flavor and less watery texture.
Ingredient Guide – Choosing the Right Tahini and More
What Kind of Tahini Works Best in Coffee?
Not all tahini is created equal. For coffee, you want:
- Smooth and runny texture (not dry or grainy)
- Mild, non-bitter flavor
- No added garlic, lemon, or other savory seasonings
Look for tahini with only sesame seeds and salt in the ingredients. If oil separation occurs, stir it well or blend it before adding.
Sweeteners, Milk Types, and Optional Flavor Enhancers
Here are some go-to additions to boost flavor and nutrition:
| Category | Options |
|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Maple syrup, agave, date syrup, monk fruit, honey |
| Milk | Oat, almond, soy, coconut, cashew, dairy (whole or skim) |
| Flavor Extras | Cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract, sea salt |
Looking for healthy spreads to pair with this? Don’t skip our Pistachio Butter article—it’s an incredible complement to this drink and makes for a satisfying side snack.
Expert Tips for Café-Level Tahini Iced Coffee
Achieving Frothy Texture Without a Milk Frother
If you want a smooth, frothy finish like your favorite café drink, you don’t need a fancy machine. Here are 3 quick tricks:
- Blender Method: Add all ingredients and blend on high for 20 seconds.
- Mason Jar Shake: Add ingredients and ice to a jar, seal tight, and shake until frothy.
- Hand Frother: Use a small battery-powered milk frother to mix directly in the cup.
These methods help emulsify the tahini, break up clumps, and give you a silky, café-style finish.
Flavor Add-ins: Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cocoa, or Salt
Tahini has a slightly bitter profile. Balance it with:
- Cinnamon or cardamom: Adds warmth and depth
- Pinch of sea salt: Enhances sweetness without added sugar
- Cocoa powder: Turns your drink into a tahini mocha
You can even make a “tahini caramel latte” by swirling in a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple butter.
Storage, Prep-Ahead, and Batch Tips
How to Store Tahini Iced Coffee in the Fridge
Although Tahini Iced Coffee is best when freshly made, it can easily be stored for later. If you’re someone who likes to meal-prep, this drink fits right in.
- Mix the base: tahini, espresso, and maple syrup.
- Store it in a sealed mason jar for up to 3 days.
- When ready, add your preferred milk and ice.
The tahini may settle, which is totally normal. Just shake the jar before serving your tahini iced coffee again to recombine it.
Batch-Making Tips for Busy Mornings
Love starting your day with tahini iced coffee but hate the morning rush? Here’s how to make multiple servings in one go:
- Brew a large batch of espresso or cold brew.
- Mix it with tahini and sweetener.
- Pour into 3 or 4 jars and refrigerate.
This way, you’ll have a creamy, nutty tahini iced coffee ready every morning—no blender required. It’s even better when paired with our Matcha White Chocolate Mochi Cake for a power-packed breakfast.
Creative Pairings with Tahini Iced Coffee
Best Snacks to Serve: Dates, Banana Bread, or Chocolate Bites
The flavor of tahini iced coffee pairs beautifully with sweet or savory bites. Its earthy depth complements snacks like:
- Soft banana bread
- Chocolate tahini truffles
- Medjool dates stuffed with almond butter
Whether you’re enjoying a mid-morning break or a post-lunch refresh, tahini iced coffee with a smart snack is both satisfying and energizing.
Turning It Into a Dessert: Tahini Mocha Milkshake or Affogato
Want to level up your tahini iced coffee into something dessert-worthy?
- Tahini Mocha Milkshake: Blend cocoa powder, banana, tahini, espresso, and plant milk.
- Tahini Affogato: Pour hot espresso over frozen tahini iced coffee concentrate or sesame-flavored ice cream.
This transforms your daily tahini iced coffee from simple sip into an indulgent treat—no extra sugar needed.
Discover great ideas like our Pickle Lemonade Recipe for more flavor-bending combinations.
FAQ Section
Is tahini good in coffee?
Absolutely! Tahini adds a creamy, nutty richness that balances coffee’s bitterness and enhances flavor complexity. It’s also packed with nutrients, making your drink more satisfying.
Why is Thai iced coffee so sweet?
Thai iced coffee uses sweetened condensed milk and sugar, resulting in high sugar content. It’s a traditional flavor but less ideal for low-sugar diets.
How do you make frozen tahini coffee?
Blend tahini, coffee, sweetener, and milk with ice. Add frozen coffee cubes for extra flavor and texture. It’s like a sesame frappuccino.
Is Thai iced coffee healthy?
Not really. Due to its high sugar and dairy content, it’s more of a treat. Tahini iced coffee, on the other hand, offers healthy fats, protein, and less sugar.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Tahini Iced Coffee Today
Tahini iced coffee is more than a trend—it’s a flavor revelation. It delivers richness, nutrition, and café vibes all in one glass. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, cutting sugar, or just bored of your usual brew, this sesame-infused drink is worth the shake-up.
It’s quick. It’s customizable. And yes, it’s totally Instagrammable.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Butterfly Pea guide for another trendy drink with benefits.