The Viral Tahini Coffee That’s Taking Over Your Feed

Move over dalgona, there’s a new café-style sensation taking over brunch tables, TikTok feeds, and barista stations worldwide, Tahini Coffee. That’s right, this creamy, nutty, Middle Eastern twist on your standard espresso drink is the viral caffeine creation you didn’t know you needed. Blending bold espresso with smooth sesame paste, icy milk, maple syrup, and just a pinch of salt, iced tahini coffee is rich, luxurious, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur of the latest drink trends, this recipe is breaking the mold and breaking the internet.

What makes it so special? Well, it’s not just a drink, it’s a vibe. The frozen tahini coffee shake variation is already popping up in brunch cafés and influencer reels. And with its perfectly balanced flavor, nutty, sweet, slightly bitter, and oh-so-creamy, it’s no wonder tahini coffee is climbing to the top of every foodie’s favorites list.

The Rise of Tahini Coffee on Social Media

Why Tahini Coffee Went Viral

Sometimes, the best trends come from the most unexpected mashups, and that’s exactly how tahini coffee took off. Initially spotted at specialty cafés like Maman in New York, this creamy blend quickly found its way onto Instagram reels and TikTok trends. The reason? It’s aesthetic, customizable, and incredibly simple to make.

Much like the rise of oat milk lattes or dalgona coffee back in 2020, tahini coffee checks all the boxes of a viral drink:

• Photogenic layers and textures
  
• Ingredients that feel healthy and artisanal
  
• Unique taste with cultural flair
  
• Easy to make at home with everyday tools
  

Home baristas love it for the same reasons they embraced whipped coffee, it’s affordable, fast, and feels like an indulgence. Plus, tahini is already trending in desserts and sauces, so naturally, it found a new home in our morning mugs.

The TikTok and Instagram Effect on Drink Trends

Social media platforms are now the launchpads for culinary phenomena. The algorithm loves a swirling coffee shot with a creamy pour, and so do viewers. What began as a niche recipe shared by wellness bloggers and Middle Eastern food creators soon became a full-blown coffee movement.

TikTok in particular has made tahini coffee a star. With creators showcasing their favorite spins, from vegan to protein-packed, the drink became not just a recipe, but a canvas for expression.

Here’s what pushed tahini coffee into viral stardom:

• Aesthetic video tutorials with swirling espresso and slow-pour tahini
  
• Wellness influencers highlighting tahini’s health benefits
  
• Baristas creating creative menu items like frozen tahini coffee shakes
  

Don’t miss our Low-Carb Sourdough Croissants if you’re looking for the perfect pairing to go with your trendy tahini latte.

And this is just the beginning. In the next section, we’ll break down what makes tahini such a great match for coffee.

What Is Tahini and Why It Works in Coffee

Tahini Explained: Origins, Texture, and Flavor Profile

Before it became a trendy coffee add-in, tahini was treasured in Middle Eastern households for generations. Tahini is a rich, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, often compared to peanut butter, but with its own uniquely nutty and slightly bitter character. It’s an essential component in savory staples like hummus and baba ganoush, but it also shines in desserts like halva and tahini cookies.

But what really makes tahini magical is its versatility. Its smooth, pourable texture (when made well) and deep, roasted flavor make it an exceptional ingredient for blending, not just with chickpeas or chocolate, but surprisingly, with coffee.

Tahini has:

• A nutty, roasted flavor that complements espresso’s bold bitterness
  
• A creamy, smooth texture that mimics cream or nut milk
  
• Natural oils that emulsify easily in both hot and cold drinks
  
• Minimal sugars, making it ideal for low-glycemic or keto options
  

When buying tahini, always choose one with minimal ingredients, preferably just sesame seeds and a pinch of salt. You want it smooth and runny, not clumpy or stiff. Store it in a cool spot, stir if separation occurs, and use liberally!

How Tahini Enhances Coffee: Nutty, Creamy, and Balanced

So how does tahini coffee actually taste?

Imagine the bitterness of strong espresso softened by the mellow nuttiness of sesame, lightly sweetened with maple syrup, and finished with a pinch of salt. It’s complex but comforting, bold yet mellow, and shockingly addictive once you try it.

Here’s why tahini is such a natural partner for coffee:

Influencers weren’t wrong when they started calling it the ‘Middle Eastern peanut butter latte.’

Want a more global spin on coffee trends?
Discover great ideas like this Japanese Mounjaro Tea Recipe to explore how cultures bring flavor to caffeine.

And don’t worry, if you’re wondering how to make it all come together in your kitchen, the next section is your guide.

Ingredients You Need to Make Iced Tahini Coffee

Core Ingredients: Espresso, Tahini, Maple Syrup, Milk, Salt

The beauty of tahini coffee is that it looks café-fancy but is shockingly simple to create with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re crafting an iced version, a hot latte, or a frozen tahini coffee shake, these ingredients form the delicious foundation.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee
   This is your base. If you have an espresso machine, great. If not, strong Moka pot coffee, cold brew, or even instant espresso powder will do the job.
   
2. Tahini (Unsweetened)
   This is the secret sauce, smooth, high-quality tahini with no added sugars or preservatives. The best texture comes from runny tahini with a pourable consistency.
   
3. Maple Syrup or Honey
   For that gentle touch of sweetness, maple syrup is the preferred choice. It blends effortlessly into cold drinks and enhances the nutty sesame notes. You can substitute with agave, honey, or simple syrup to your liking.
   
4. Milk of Choice (Dairy or Plant-Based)
   Go for barista blend oat milk, almond milk, soy, or even regular whole milk. Each adds a unique character and creaminess.
   
5. Pinch of Sea Salt
   Salt brings out the richness of the tahini and tames bitterness, just like it does in caramel lattes. Don’t skip it.
   
6. Optional: Cinnamon or Vanilla Extract
   Want to elevate the flavor? A dash of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla, or even a touch of cardamom will take your iced tahini coffee to the next level.
   

Optional Add-Ins: Elevate Your Cup

Now that you’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk upgrades. The versatility of tahini coffee is where the magic really happens. Whether you’re craving a dessert-level treat or a functional wellness drink, there’s room to make it your own.

Here are creative mix-ins for your barista toolbelt:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Iced Tahini Coffee at Home

Curious to try the viral tahini coffee at home? No espresso machine or barista skills required. With just a few common tools, you’ll be sipping on a creamy, nutty iced tahini latte in under 5 minutes. Here’s how to make it, one easy step at a time.

Brewing the Perfect Espresso or Coffee Base

First things first, start with a strong coffee base. You want something bold enough to stand up to the richness of the tahini.

Options for the coffee base:

• Espresso Shot – Best for intensity and café-style flavor.
  
• Cold Brew Concentrate – Smooth and less acidic.
  
• Moka Pot Coffee – A stovetop espresso alternative.
  
• Instant Espresso Powder – Dissolve in hot water, let it cool.
  

Pro Tip: Brew your coffee in advance and let it cool to avoid melting the ice too fast. If you’re using hot coffee, give it a few minutes to settle.

Mixing Tahini and Other Ingredients Smoothly

This is where the magic happens. Follow these simple instructions for a perfectly emulsified drink that’s never gritty or clumpy.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Add to a glass or shaker:
   
   • 1 tablespoon tahini
     
   • ½ to 1 tablespoon maple syrup (to taste)
     
   • Pinch of sea salt
     
   • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
     
   • The cooled espresso or brewed coffee (about ⅓ cup)
     
2. Blend it smooth:
   
   • Use a milk frother to whip everything into a creamy, café-worthy blend.
     
   • No frother? Shake it up in a cocktail shaker with ice until chilled and frothy.
     
   • Or blend it for 15 seconds in a high-speed blender for a frothy, thick finish.
     
3. Add the chill factor:
   
   • Fill a tall glass with ice.
     
4. Pour in your choice of milk:
   
   • Add about ¾ cup of milk of choice, slowly, over the ice.
     
5. Stir & finish:
   
   • Give it a gentle stir.
     
   • Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sesame seeds.
     

That’s it. You’ve just made a homemade iced tahini coffee that rivals any specialty café.

Tips for Café-Quality Results at Home:

Up next? We’re giving you the ultimate frozen twist on this trend—the Tahini Coffee Shake.

Frozen Tahini Coffee Shake – A Creamier Twist

If you thought iced tahini coffee was good, wait until you try the frozen tahini coffee shake. It’s like your favorite café latte blended into a silky, chilled dessert, with just enough kick to wake you up and enough creaminess to cool you down. Perfect for hot afternoons, post-workout treats, or when you just want something a little extra.

How to Make the Viral Tahini Coffee – Frozen Edition

Turning tahini coffee into a frozen shake is easy, and wildly satisfying. The key is to blend everything until it’s perfectly frothy, thick, and icy. It’s like a café-style frappe, only with a rich sesame and maple twist.

What you’ll need:

• 1 shot espresso (or ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee)
  
• 1 tbsp tahini
  
• ¾ cup milk (plant-based or dairy)
  
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  
• 1 cup ice
  
• Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or ice cream for extra creaminess.
  

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender for 30 seconds.
   
2. Check texture, add more ice if you want it thicker, or a splash of milk to thin it out.
   
3. Pour into a tall glass and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sesame seeds.
   
4. Add a straw, kick back, and enjoy the magic.
   

This frozen version is like a tahini milkshake with a caffeine kick, and it’s shockingly satisfying. Think of it as a healthier, more interesting version of a frappuccino, but without all the syrups and mystery powders.

Pro Tip: Want a dessert-like twist? Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream or a dash of cocoa powder for a tahini mocha shake. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few frozen banana slices for extra creaminess and natural sweetness.

Perfect Toppings: Chocolate Shavings, Sea Salt, or Sesame Seeds

One of the joys of tahini coffee, frozen or iced, is how well it pairs with fun garnishes. Here are a few finishing touches to level up your presentation (and flavor):

Pair this creamy drink with something light and sweet for a full café vibe.

Flavor Variations and Dietary Customizations

One of the best things about tahini coffee, besides its rich flavor and Instagram-worthy appeal, is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or mood. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, sugar-conscious, or simply experimenting, there’s a version of this drink with your name on it.

Vegan, Keto, and Sugar-Free Adaptations

Let’s start with a few easy swaps that keep your tahini latte trendy and tailored:

For those looking to lower their sugar intake, reducing or eliminating the maple syrup won’t ruin the drink. A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can provide perceived sweetness without the calories.

Tahini Caramel, Mocha, and Vanilla Latte Twists

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, it’s time to play. These flavor hacks will take your tahini latte to the next level, whether you like it bold, sweet, or slightly exotic.

1. Tahini Caramel Latte
Add a drizzle of salted caramel syrup or a spoonful of homemade tahini caramel. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

2. Tahini Mocha
Mix in 1 tsp cocoa powder or use chocolate milk in place of regular milk. Adjust the maple syrup for balance.

3. Tahini Vanilla Shake
A splash of pure vanilla extract adds café-style sophistication. Want more froth? Add ice and blend into a frozen tahini vanilla shake.

4. Spiced Tahini Latte
Elevate the Middle Eastern feel with a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or even ginger. Spices like these take tahini and espresso to the next level.

5. Protein-Packed Tahini Smoothie
Blend the tahini coffee base with 1 scoop of protein powder, some ice, and banana slices for a post-workout pick-me-up.

Now that you know how to remix your drink, let’s focus on how to nail the barista experience at home every time.

Expert Tips for Barista-Level Tahini Lattes at Home

Mastering the tahini coffee trend at home is easier than you think, but a few insider tricks will help you turn this viral drink into a reliable, everyday indulgence. Whether you’re making it iced, hot, or blended, these expert tips guarantee café-level quality, every time.

Tools and Tricks for Creamy Texture (Frother, Blender, Shaker)

The creamy, velvety texture of tahini coffee is what sets it apart. But tahini can sometimes be tricky to blend into liquids, especially cold ones. Here’s how to make sure you never end up with clumps:

1. Use a milk frother
A handheld milk frother is perfect for combining tahini, maple syrup, espresso, and spices. It emulsifies the fats and liquids into a silky smooth base.

2. Shake it up
No frother? No problem. Just add your ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. This chills and blends everything beautifully.

3. Blend for best results
A high-speed blender (even a small one) will give you the smoothest, frothiest results, especially for frozen tahini coffee shakes or protein smoothies.

4. Add tahini to warm coffee first
If you’re making a hot version, mix the tahini into the warm espresso first before adding milk. This helps it dissolve faster and smoother.

5. Strain if needed
If your tahini has small sesame hull bits or if you want a hyper-smooth latte, strain your drink through a fine mesh sieve before serving.

Balancing Bitterness, Sweetness, and Saltiness

Tahini varies in flavor depending on the brand, it can be slightly bitter or nutty-sweet. And coffee, of course, brings its own bold flavor. Balancing these elements is the key to an addictively delicious tahini coffee.

Here’s how to fine-tune your drink to perfection:

Don’t miss our Sweet Corn Ice Cream if you’re looking for a subtle, sweet flavor inspiration that pairs perfectly with tahini’s nutty undertones.

Once you’ve got the texture and flavor just right, it’s time to talk about how to serve and pair tahini coffee for a complete, indulgent moment.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

So, you’ve mastered the iced tahini coffee or its frozen shake cousin, now what? Time to serve it up in style. Whether you’re sipping solo or entertaining brunch guests, this section will help you elevate your drink into an unforgettable experience.

Best Snacks with Tahini Coffee (Croissants, Cookies, Date Cake)

Tahini coffee brings a creamy, nutty complexity that pairs best with foods that are either slightly sweet, lightly buttery, or filled with texture. Here’s a list of delicious pairings to serve alongside:

Creative Drink Duos: Strawberry Coffee, Greek Smoothie, Iced Tea

Tahini coffee isn’t the only viral drink making waves. Want to mix things up or serve multiple drink options at a brunch table? Here are some refreshing combinations that complement tahini’s nutty notes:

1. Strawberry Coffee
   Yes, it’s a thing. Strawberry syrup and espresso over ice, surprisingly good, especially paired with tahini’s creamy backdrop.
   
2. Greek Yogurt Smoothie
   Light, protein-rich, and perfect for cooling down after a creamy tahini shake.
   Don’t miss our Greek Yogurt Smoothie for ideas.
   
3. Chai or Cardamom Iced Tea
   Warm spices match tahini’s Middle Eastern roots beautifully. Add a splash of milk for a cozy tea-latte vibe.
   
4. Citrusy Cold Brew
   Orange zest or lemon simple syrup adds brightness and contrast to tahini’s earthy profile.
   
5. Japanese Iced Coffee
   Brewed hot then instantly chilled over ice, clean, crisp, and a great way to contrast tahini’s depth.
   Discover great ideas like this Japanese Mounjaro Tea Recipe for more inspiration.
   

From date cake to cold brew, tahini coffee’s versatility knows no bounds. Want to make it ahead or enjoy it later? Here’s how to prep and reheat like a pro.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

Tahini coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prep it ahead. Whether you’re making it part of your weekly coffee routine or prepping a batch for brunch guests, this drink holds up surprisingly well with the right storage and reheating techniques.

How to Store Your Tahini Coffee for Later

The rich oils in tahini naturally separate over time, especially in cold drinks. But don’t worry, it’s easy to restore its creamy texture with a quick shake or stir.

For best results:

• Store in an airtight mason jar or bottle and refrigerate.
  
• Keep it chilled for up to 48 hours.
  
• Always shake well before serving to re-blend any separation.
  
• Do not add ice until ready to serve, it will dilute the drink if stored together.
  

Storage tip: If you’re using plant-based milk, especially oat milk, shake the container before pouring, it tends to settle too.

How to Reheat Without Ruining the Texture

Want your tahini latte hot? That’s totally doable, just be gentle with the heat to avoid curdling the milk or altering tahini’s flavor.

Here’s how to reheat it properly:

1. Pour the stored tahini coffee base into a saucepan.
   
2. Heat gently on low, whisking occasionally. Avoid boiling.
   
3. Once warm, add steamed milk or whisk in cold milk and heat a bit more.
   
4. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
   

Alternatively, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring every 15 seconds to keep the mixture smooth.

Want a shortcut version?
Prep just the base (tahini, coffee, maple, and spices) and store it as a coffee concentrate. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy:

• Add cold milk + ice for iced tahini coffee.
  
• Add steamed milk for a warm tahini latte.
  
• Blend with ice and milk for a frozen tahini coffee shake.
  

Batch Prep Idea for Busy Mornings:

Now that you’re fully stocked with prep and storage know-how, let’s tackle the most common questions people are asking online about tahini coffee.

Conclusion: Why Tahini Coffee Deserves a Spot in Your Cup

Whether you’re a coffee fanatic, a brunch trend chaser, or just craving a new twist in your routine, tahini coffee delivers something delightfully different. With its bold espresso base, creamy sesame richness, sweet maple balance, and subtle salty edge, this drink doesn’t just taste good, it feels like a lifestyle upgrade.

From its humble café beginnings to becoming a full-blown viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, tahini coffee has proven it’s more than just a gimmick. It’s deeply satisfying, endlessly customizable, and shockingly simple to make at home. Plus, with so many variations, from iced to frozen shakes to hot, cozy lattes, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it.

So the next time you’re craving something different, skip the coffee shop and whip up this viral tahini latte in your kitchen. Trust us, it’s the creamy, nutty, barista-level indulgence you didn’t know you were missing.Want to explore more unique desserts to pair with this creamy sensation?
Check out our Low-Carb Sourdough Croissants for the perfect flaky sidekick.

Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, for more recipes.

FAQ Section: People Also Ask