Coffee Smoothie (or Mocha)
from https://www.loveandlemons.com/

This coffee smoothie recipe is one of my favorite ways to start the day. A delicious blend of brewed coffee, frozen banana, almond butter, and dates, it’s creamy, sweet, and filled with rich coffee flavor. The banana and dates pack in nutrients like fiber and potassium, and the coffee adds an energizing kick of caffeine. It’s like a cup of coffee + a healthy breakfast in a single glass!

Start without ice. Thanks to the frozen fruit, you might not need it! Instead of adding ice to the blender right away, blend the other smoothie ingredients together first. Then, if necessary, add ice to make the smoothie frostier.

Blend the smoothie. Then, taste. If you’d like the smoothie to have a stronger coffee flavor, add more coffee to taste. Add more of any of the ingredients in the recipe to tweak the balance of flavors to your liking, or, if you want a sweeter smoothie, pour in a little honey or maple syrup. When you’re happy with the flavor, blend in a couple handfuls of ice to make the smoothie thick and frosty. Add more liquid as needed. Don’t hesitate to add almond milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Tip: Garnish this smoothie with a dusting of cinnamon and dark chocolate shavings for an extra-fun treat.

Customize Your Coffee Smoothie. Here are a few variations I love:

• Make a mocha twist. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolatey flavor.
• Give it a protein boost. Blend in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• Add omega-3s. Blitz in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds.
  Sneak in a veggie. Frozen cauliflower or zucchini would be great here. You won’t be able to taste either, I swear!
• Use another nut butter. Peanut butter and cashew butter are delicious!
• Cut the caffeine. Sub decaf coffee for regular.

1 1/2 frozen bananas
1/2 to 3/4 cup cold brew coffee concentrate, to taste
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, plus more as needed
3 soft Medjool dates, pitted*
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for garnish
2 handfuls of ice
Chocolate shavings, for garnish

In a blender, place the bananas, cold brew concentrate, almond milk, dates, almond butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth, adding more almond milk as needed to blend. Add the ice and blend again.

Pour into glasses and serve with a dusting of cinnamon and chocolate shavings for garnish.

Notes: *If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Pat dry before using.

2 servings