Tahini Iced Coffee: Viral Creamy Iced Drink You’ll Love
This isn’t just another iced coffee recipe. It’s the viral tahini iced coffee that turned heads and trended across TikTok and Instagram for good reason. Creamy, nutty, and just a touch sweet, it’s the kind of drink that hits all the right notes—especially when summer heat begs for something cool and different.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make the tahini iced coffee that’s sparked thousands of shares. From flavor profiles to technique, you’ll learn how to make this drink your own. Plus, I’ll answer some of the most popular questions like “Is tahini good in coffee?” and “Why is Gen Z obsessed with iced drinks?”
Let’s start with the story behind the sip.
How Tahini Iced Coffee Became My Summer Staple
A coffee twist born in a quiet mountain kitchen
If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be pouring sesame paste into my coffee, I probably would’ve laughed. But here we are. It started on a warm July morning in Asheville. My son had just come back from a summer camp and told me, “Mom, TikTok is full of people putting weird things in coffee—have you seen the sesame coffee thing?”
Of course, I hadn’t. But the idea stuck. That afternoon, with my espresso cooling on the counter, I reached for the tahini. It was smooth, nutty, and something I always had on hand thanks to my chickpea salad habit. I stirred it in with maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and cold milk—and just like that, tahini iced coffee became a staple in my kitchen.
Why this iced coffee works
The flavor hits differently than your usual vanilla or mocha. Tahini adds richness without being overpowering. It’s nutty but not sweet, creamy without cream. It balances beautifully with espresso, especially when paired with maple or honey. If you’re into experimenting with lattes like my coffee loophole trick, you’ll love this too.
What really surprised me was how versatile this drink became. I tried it with sugar-free vanilla syrup, almond milk, even Korean strawberry milk. Every version felt indulgent—but secretly nourishing.
You don’t need barista skills. Just a blender, a good swirl, and a love for bold, creamy flavors. It’s coffee with a Middle Eastern soul and a modern-day twist.
Making the Perfect Tahini Iced Coffee at Home
Ingredients that make a difference
What makes tahini iced coffee stand out from your average latte is the careful balance of bold and creamy. To get that viral-worthy flavor, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients—each one pulling its weight.
Espresso or strong brewed coffee lays the foundation. If you don’t have an espresso machine, go for a bold cold brew or even instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water. The coffee should be slightly cooled to prevent curdling the milk.
Then comes the tahini—smooth, unsweetened, and stirred well before using. This is where the magic happens. Unlike peanut butter, tahini has a more savory edge, which gives the coffee its unique character. Just one tablespoon is enough to turn your iced latte into something with depth.
For sweetness, reach for maple syrup or honey, depending on what’s in your pantry. I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or even a tiny splash of vanilla extract to bring warmth to the drink. If you’ve ever made strawberry shortcake coffee creamer, you’ll understand how layering flavors takes coffee to another level.
Plant-based or dairy milk both work here. Almond milk and oat milk are popular for a lighter feel, while whole milk gives you that café-style richness.
Technique: Blend, shake, or froth
Getting that creamy consistency comes down to how you mix it. If you want a silky texture, a handheld milk frother is your best friend. Just add the tahini, sweetener, cinnamon, and cooled espresso into your glass and froth until smooth.
No frother? No problem. Use a blender or a simple cocktail shaker. That’s my go-to when I’m feeling like adding a twist—sometimes I toss in a bit of Korean mango milk for a tropical edge.
Once it’s smooth, pour it over a glass of ice, add cold milk, and stir. That’s it. In just five minutes, you’ve created a creamy, café-level iced drink without stepping out of your kitchen.
Why Tahini Iced Coffee Is More Than a Trend
Why Gen Z is iced coffee obsessed
Walk through any college campus, scroll through TikTok, or just hang out in a Target parking lot—and you’ll see it: a cold coffee in hand, no matter the season. Iced coffee has become more than a drink for Gen Z; it’s an identity marker, a daily ritual, and in many ways, a creative outlet.
Part of this obsession is about aesthetic. Iced coffee looks good on Instagram and matches the “cozy chaos” of life—balancing caffeine, chill, and control. Drinks like Korean strawberry milk and beautifully layered lattes fit right into this culture.
But iced coffee also offers customization, something younger generations value deeply. You can adjust the flavor, the temperature, the caffeine level—even the type of ice. Add in tahini, and suddenly your iced coffee becomes both personal and original.
And let’s be honest: there’s something satisfying about shaking or swirling a homemade drink in a mason jar before posting it with a soft filter. It’s not just about the taste—it’s the experience.
Tahini: the new star in healthy coffee hacks
Tahini has moved beyond hummus. It’s now a functional food—a source of plant-based fat, protein, and minerals. When stirred into coffee, it adds not only creaminess but a nutrient-dense boost.
It’s also part of a larger shift toward global flavors. Gen Z isn’t afraid of trying things like sesame, cardamom, or turmeric in their lattes. In fact, drinks like high-protein chocolate chia pudding and cottage cheese and chickpea salad reflect the trend toward functional, globally-inspired eats.
In this way, tahini iced coffee isn’t just a trend. It’s a bridge—between wellness and indulgence, between the East and West, between generations seeking something both nourishing and nostalgic.
Variations That Keep It Fresh
Flavor twists to make it your own
One of the best things about tahini iced coffee is how adaptable it is. The base—espresso, tahini, maple syrup, and milk—offers a perfect canvas for flavor additions.
Mocha lovers can stir in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, giving the drink a nutty chocolate finish. It pairs beautifully with tahini’s earthy profile. For a spiced version, add a pinch of cardamom, clove, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat. I’ve even tossed in a little no-bake brownie bite as a cheeky side snack—and it worked.
Craving a café-style flavor boost? A splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup or almond extract can change the whole profile while keeping it balanced. For a lighter summer version, go with strawberry mango lemonade flavors on the side for a refreshing contrast.
You can also adjust the richness by swapping in coconut milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half depending on how creamy you want your drink.
Pro tips for next-level results
- Texture too thick? Add a splash more milk or water to thin it.
- Need froth? Blend the whole drink on high for 30 seconds to get that creamy café-style foam.
- Hot version: Warm your milk and blend with tahini, maple syrup, and a shot of espresso for a cozy alternative.
- Sweetness balance: Maple syrup is mild; if you’re switching to honey or monk fruit, start with half the amount and adjust.
I love serving this with a side of something simple, like a peanut butter keto cookie or even a slice of low-carb cinnamon roll cake.
It’s these little touches that make a drink more than just caffeine—it becomes a moment.
FAQs About Tahini Iced Coffee
Is tahini good in coffee?
Yes! Tahini adds a nutty, creamy richness that balances beautifully with bold coffee. It’s a plant-based alternative to dairy and nut milks, with a deep, roasted flavor.
What does tahini coffee taste like?
It tastes like a cross between a nut butter latte and a sesame-infused mocha—earthy, slightly bitter, subtly sweet, and very creamy.
What is the most popular iced coffee flavor?
Vanilla remains the most popular, followed by mocha and caramel. But trendy flavors like matcha, cardamom, and tahini are gaining traction fast.
Why is Gen Z obsessed with iced coffee?
It’s aesthetic, customizable, and often part of a larger social ritual. Iced coffee lets Gen Z experiment with identity, flavor, and wellness—all in one cup.
Conclusion
Tahini iced coffee is more than just a viral trend. It’s a comforting, energizing drink with a twist—perfect for those of us who love bold flavors and unexpected pairings. Whether you’re looking to break out of a coffee rut or try something new and nourishing, this drink hits all the marks.
Now go froth, pour, and sip your way to a creamy, sesame-kissed coffee moment you didn’t know you needed.
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and hashtag it #foodiecreator.
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Tahini Iced Coffee: Viral Creamy Iced Drink You’ll Love
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Creamy, nutty, and deeply satisfying, this tahini iced coffee recipe blends espresso with sesame, maple syrup, and milk for a Middle Eastern twist on your favorite iced drink.
Ingredients
1 shot Espresso or ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon Tahini (smooth, unsweetened)
½–1 tablespoon Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Pinch Sea salt (optional)
¾ cup Milk of choice
Pinch Cinnamon (optional)
Ice
Instructions
1. Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. In a glass, add tahini, sweetener, salt, cinnamon, and the cooled coffee. Mix well using a milk frother or blender until smooth.
3. Add ice, then pour in cold milk.
4. Stir gently and enjoy!
Notes
Texture too thick? Add a bit more milk to thin it out.
Want a mocha twist? Add 1 tsp cocoa powder.
Use plant-based milk and maple syrup for a vegan version.
Try a dusting of cardamom or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 222
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
