Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake (+low carb options)
This Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake with low-carb options gives you a boost of caffeine AND protein to help you make it through your day!
When I was doing my grocery shopping last week and I picked up a bag of coffee, I was suddenly transported to my freshman year of college. Without a very special coffee drink, I might not have made it through that awful first semester!
The University I attended had a pretty big campus, which is something I definitely did not account for when I was scheduling classes. My first semester, I crammed all of my classes into morning sessions so I could be done early.
Little did I know, my classes were as far away as they could possibly get. I had to literally run to get to my second class before the professor locked the door (and yes, she really did that). On rainy days, I was a soaking wet mess before my second class began. There was no amount of rain gear that could have made it any easier.
Now when I am driving through town, I see college kids walking through campus, and then I see a poor lonely soul running as fast as they can, and I think, “yep…that was me.”
Lucky for me, there was a great little coffee shop on campus. I tried an Iced Peppermint Mocha for the first time and was hooked! That strong, robust iced coffee with rich dark chocolate and a hint of cool mint became my reward for all the sprinting I had to do.
Now that I am done with college and don’t frequent that little coffee shop anymore, I found a way to enjoy my favorite drink without heading to campus. My Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake is much more affordable than that coffee house version! It’s balanced, wholesome, and dedicated to all those campus sprinters–You can do this!
Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake:
- Milk: Plant-based or lactose-free milks work as well
- Cold brewed coffee: I cold brew my own; click here to see how
- Greek yogurt: I prefer using vanilla flavored, but you can use a plain, low-carb option like Fage 2% if you’re watching carbs
- Cocoa powder
- Protein powder: I use Myofusion for the gluten-free flavors. Check carbs on your powder if you’re keto
- Sweetener: Can be honey, coconut sugar, monkfruit if you’re low-carb
- Peppermint extract
- Ice
How do I make a protein shake with coffee?
This couldn’t be simpler! Place all the ingredients in a blender, and give it a whirl! Taste, then add more sweetener, cocoa, or coffee for your preferences.
Tips for making the best Mocha Protein Shake:
- Try different types of coffee — I love mine really strong, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and roasts!
- Don’t make it before you’re ready — Save this for a time you can drink it immediately after making it. If you try to make it ahead of time, the ice will melt and leave you with a watered-down taste.
- Consider different flavor additions — You could add almond butter, toasted coconut, or whatever flavors you prefer!
- Watch your ingredients — If you’re on a low-carb diet, be careful what you use! Some yogurts, milks, protein powders, and sweeteners have different amounts of carbs.
More Coffee Drinks:
- Almond Butter Frappuccino
- Blended Coconut Mocha Frappuccino
- Keto Mocha Frappuccino
- Almond Vanilla Latte
- Keto Coffee Frappuccino (Starbucks copycat)
- Low-Carb Peppermint Frappuccino
- Iced Peppermint Latte (dairy free)
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, any milk is fine
- 2/3 cup cold brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt, If low-carb, try a low-carb yogurt like Fage Total 2%
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons vanilla or chocolate flavored protein powder, Myofusion has gluten free flavors; If you're low-carb, make sure your powder is too!
- 2 tablespoons sweetener, honey, coconut sugar, monkfruit if keto, etc.
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
- Add additional sweetener for a sweeter drink or additional cocoa powder for a slightly stronger chocolate taste.
- Serve immediately
Peppermint mochas are my weakness! I usually only drink them around the holidays, but I would love to whip up this iced version. Sounds delicious!
I just love that flavor combo! I could drink it all year long! I think you will love this Gayle!
I had that happen my first semester of college. I thought I was genius by scheduling all my classes Tuesday and Thursday. Hello 4 day weekends! But, being in class for about 12 hours a day on Tues/Thurs wasn’t ideal. I was wiped out by the end. And I was running all over campus. Learned my lesson the following semester. This frap sounds delicious! Love a nice iced drink. And the added protein is wonderful!
This is right up my alley! I was one of those people who wanted to be in and out of the University in a morning, too, but our campus was super small! It was totally possible. Then I went home for a nap. Lol. Those were the days!
This looks amazing! I love that you can make the McCafé coffee ahead of time so that the morning rush doesn’t feel quite so rushed! Thanks for sharing #client
Oh man, walking around campus in the rain was the worst! I remember being so happy when the rubber rain galoshes became “cool” haha! These frappucinos look so good! I love making stuff like this at home and saving so much money!
I love peppermint mochas, and this is such a great recipe to make at home and save a few bucks! Plus there’s protein in it to help you feel full — great idea, Annie!
This frappuccino looks amazing! Love the peppermint flavour! 😀
I can remember running through campus too!
This drink looks amazing. I have never tried cold brewing coffee but I definitely like the idea of making a large batch. 🙂
Oh my goodness, I have such a thing for peppermint mochas! There’s just something about the strong mix of mint with chocolate that I can’t get enough of! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try 🙂
i made something similar that im posting tomorrow but mine wasnt protein packed (sad face) this is phenomenal! way to go!
I went to a big university for grad school and remember running across campus in the blazing heat. It was awful! I would have loved a cold mocha frappuccino to cool me down. These look perfect!
I love anything with peppermint, this just sounds amazing! I’ve never thought to add protein powder to my coffee before, but that’s just genius. Definitely need to give this a try!
Aww, I feel for you! I was lucky to have most of my classes in one area, but occasionally I’d have to do a mad dash, too! Love this frappuccino, looks so thick and delicious!
I went to a TINY college, so often times my classes were just down the hall from one another. I can’t commiserate on your mad dashes across campus (crazy!) but I do remember how much I relied on coffee to get through my busy schedule. Even years out of college and I still do. 🙂 This looks awesome – I love mint + chocolate (+caffeine!) together in drinks.
Mint, chocolate, and coffee. Could you EVER go wrong with a killer combo like this?! I’m seriously swooning here, Annie! These frappes look so amazing. Can’t wait to make these for my mom! Mint, choc, and coffee is her all-time fav combo!
You will love it Sarah! So easy and so tasty!
This looks delicious! SO yum 🙂
Thanks Medha! I love a good mocha!
The Perfect start to the day! Yum!