Buzz
A banana paired with coffee makes for a simple yet satisfying combo (and it’s my boyfriend’s go-to light breakfast). It strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and bitterness, and is one of the quickest breakfast options. Instead of enjoying them separately, however, many TikTok creators have started blending the two into #bananaicedcoffee, a refreshing drink made by blending coffee with two frozen bananas.
As someone who adores both cold coffee beverages and bananas, I decided to give it a shot. Just as TikTok user Ellie Gervais promised, it was ‘more than the sum of its parts.’ The drink was creamy, sweet, caffeinated, and slightly bitter, offering a surprising depth for a two-ingredient smoothie. Still, I felt like it could be even better.
The beauty of banana iced coffee is its versatility. I used a ripe banana and found it a bit too sweet, but adding two teaspoons of cocoa powder helped balance the flavor and gave it a lovely chocolatey twist, which I personally enjoy. I also included a teaspoon of vanilla—because vanilla always enhances things—and these two ingredients made the drink feel complete, without any added fat or refined sugars. (I don’t usually focus on such details, but it was notable that I didn’t feel the need to add half & half, which is my usual habit.) I poured it into a glass, topped it with a banana slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and breakfast was ready to go.
To make banana iced coffee, all you need are two frozen bananas and a cup of cold drip coffee (or substitute with cold brew concentrate for an extra kick). If you're like me and often forget to peel the bananas before freezing them, don’t worry—it’s easy to peel a frozen banana.
While blending just those two ingredients will give you a great drink, a little extra effort can elevate the flavor. Think of the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread for inspiration. Vanilla extract is a great choice, but almond extract adds a unique twist. If you’re a fan of chocolate, try mixing in some cocoa powder or even a spoonful of Nutella. And don’t overlook the power of baking spices—a dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom can add warmth and richness to the drink (without affecting its frozen nature, of course).
