Tahini Is the Secret to This Creamy, Dairy-Free Coffee Shake

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Start your day off right with this nutty cardamom and coffee shake.

By
Lucy Simon
Portrait of Lucy Simon
Lucy Simon
Lucy Simon is a New York-based wine, spirits, and food writer has been with Food & Wine since the spring of 2021.
Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines
Published on June 18, 2024
Tested by
Craig Ruff
Craig Ruff
Tested by Craig Ruff

Craig has both a culinary education and professional training from his time in restaurants. He is an avid reader of food media and a dedicated cook. During his time in culinary school and in restaurants, he has much experience testing and developing recipes.

Meet the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
A dairy-free shake with tahini, cardamom, coffee, banana and sweet date syrup.
Photo:

Food & Wine / Photo by Greg Dupree / Prop Styling by Thom Driver / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer
Total Time:
5 mins

Chilled coffee is mixed with tahini and ripe banana in this caffeinated, dairy-free pick-me-up. The tahini adds savory depth and, when whipped in a blender, a richness that rivals the thickest cream.

Date syrup brings complex, caramelized sweetness, and a sprinkle of warming cardamom and a splash of coffee liqueur take this shake from a breakfast beverage to a little treat. Blend the drink just until smooth to prevent the heat of the blender blade from warming the shake. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is date syrup?

    Date syrup, also called date honey, date molasses, or silan, is nothing but dates that have been steamed and pressed into a dark brown, honey-like syrup. It has flavors and aromas of toffee while not being in overly sweet. Find date syrup at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online at dvashorganics.com.

  • Can I use decaf coffee to make this shake?

    Yes, if you’d like to keep this shake caffeine-free, you can use brewed decaf coffee. Just be sure it’s well-chilled before adding it to the blender.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

If you have a bottle of cold brew in the fridge, you can use it instead of brewing your own coffee. Just be sure to dilute it if using a concentrate, though.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 ripe banana

  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee, chilled

  • 1/2 cup ice cubes

  • 2 tablespoons date syrup, plus more for drizzling

  • 2 tablespoons tahini

  • 1 pinch kosher salt

  • 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur, optional

  • 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Directions

  1. Process banana, coffee, ice cubes, date syrup, tahini, and salt in a blender until smooth and lightened in color, about 20 seconds.

  2. Drizzle date syrup in a swirled pattern along the inside of a rocks glass. Pour shake into glass; top with coffee liqueur (if using), and sprinkle with ground cardamom.

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