The Viral Tahini Coffee That Broke the Internet
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Iced Tahini Coffee is the unexpected mash‑up infiltrating your brunch feed—and for good reason. Between the rich, nutty flavor of sesame seeds, fresh espresso, creamy milk, sweet maple, and a pinch of salt, this viral iced tahini latte is a deliciously trendy fusion of Middle Eastern flair and classic coffee comfort.
The first time I saw a post about Maman coffee with tahini, I knew it was going to be as big a hit as dalgona coffee was in 2020. What started as a niche café concoction has now gone viral across TikTok and Instagram, inspiring home baristas like myself to get in on the action. Ready to try this easy coffee trend? Meet me in the kitchen so I can show you how!
How to Make Tahini Coffee
Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make this viral tahini coffee. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.
Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇
Why You’ll Love This Viral Tahini Coffee Recipe
- If you love fancy, café-style coffee drinks, this easy DIY is for you—just 5 basic ingredients and about 5 minutes of effort are all that stand in your way!
- Any fans of my chocolate tahini mousse or tahini fudge know that the Middle Eastern sesame paste is yummy in desserts. This maple tahini latte is perfectly balanced, blending creamy and acerbic, sweet and salty, nutty and caramel-y flavors all in one.
- Whenever you make coffee at home, not only are you saving money, but you’re also completely in charge of how your drink is made! This versatile and customizable latte recipe can be made hot or cold, with or without sugar, vegan or not. Read on below for more ideas.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Espresso – This bold, highly concentrated coffee is the heart of most latte recipes. Feel free to use an alternative like European-style Moka pot coffee or cold brew concentrate.
- Tahini – Think of tahini as the Middle Eastern equivalent of peanut butter, made by blending sesame seeds into a spreadable paste.
- Maple Syrup – My liquid sweetener of choice, it’s less refined and has a lower glycemic index than brown sugar, blends easily into even cold drinks, and tastes delightful with both coffee and tahini. Feel free to swap in the sweetener you prefer, like agave nectar, honey, or simple syrup.
- Salt – Just trust me, salted tahini coffee is just tastier than regular, the way salted caramel ice cream is better than plain caramel ice cream.
- Milk of Choice – Any percentage of dairy milk or any variety of plant-based milk can be used here.
- Cinnamon – While this is an optional addition, I find that this warming spice adds an extra layer of sweetness without boosting the sugar content.
This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇
What Is Tahini?
Tahini is a smooth, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes like homemade hummus and baba ganoush, but it’s far more versatile than you might think. With a nutty, slightly bitter flavor and silky texture, tahini can be used in both savory and sweet recipes, including tahini cookies and now, tahini coffee!
When buying tahini, look for a brand with minimal ingredients—ideally just sesame seeds and maybe a pinch of salt. The texture should be smooth and pourable, not stiff or dry. Once opened, store your tahini in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Just give it a good stir if it separates—as with natural peanut butter, oil separation is totally normal!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk—preferably one marked as a “barista blend” for the best mouthfeel.
- No espresso machine? No problem! Use strong brewed coffee, cold brew, or even instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water.
- To make a hot tahini latte, just warm the milk and whisk it with the tahini and sweetener, then pour over freshly brewed coffee.
- Experiment with mix-ins. Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dusting of cardamom for an easy flavor boost. You can also make a tahini caramel latte by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce. Want a mocha-inspired twist? Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder or swap in chocolate milk and reduce the amount of maple syrup you add.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Texture too thick? No problem. Just add a splash more milk (or your favorite dairy-free alternative) to loosen it up until it’s silky smooth.
Want that café-style froth? Blend it in a high-speed blender for a luxuriously creamy finish. No blender? You can also shake it up in a cocktail shaker with ice or use a handheld milk frother right in your glass for a quick and easy mix. - Taste and tweak. Tahini varies in bitterness, so feel free to adjust the sweetness or coffee strength to your liking.
How to Serve
Tahini coffee is delicious served hot or iced, making it perfect for any season. Enjoy it as a creamy morning pick-me-up, a midday treat, or even a cozy dessert drink after dinner. For a special touch, sprinkle cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. It also pairs beautifully with a slice of chocolate banana bread or tahini date cake.
Storage & Reheating
While tahini coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can make a batch in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving, as separation is natural.
- To enjoy it cold: Shake well and pour over fresh ice.
- To enjoy it warm: Gently reheat the coffee mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, then add warm milk and stir until smooth. Avoid boiling, as this can affect the flavor and texture of the tahini.
If you’re prepping ahead for busy mornings, consider blending everything except the milk and ice. Store the concentrate in the fridge, then add milk and ice when you’re ready to serve.
More Drink Recipes
Viral Tahini Coffee Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso or ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon Tahini smooth, unsweetened
- ½-1 tablespoon Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- pinch Sea salt optional
- ¾ cup (180 ml) Milk of choice
- pinch Cinnamon optional, enhances flavor
- Ice
Instructions
- Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Make the base: In a glass, add tahini, sweetener, salt, cinnamon, and the cooled coffee. Mix well using a milk frother, or shake/blend until smooth using a shaker or blender.
- Add ice, then pour in the cold milk.
- Stir gently and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Texture too thick? Add a bit more milk to thin it out.
- Want a mocha twist? Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and maple syrup.
- Make it your way: You can blend it in a high-speed blender for a frothy finish, shake it in a cocktail shaker, or use a handheld milk frother for a quick mix in the glass.
- Coffee options: No espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee, cold brew, or even instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water.
- Hot version? Yes! Just warm the milk and whisk it with the tahini and sweetener, then pour over freshly brewed coffee.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dusting of cardamom for a twist.
Nutrition
FAQs
Surprisingly, yes! Tahini adds a nutty, creamy richness that balances the bitterness of coffee. When combined with maple or honey and a pinch of salt, it creates a uniquely delicious, café-style drink that’s going viral for a reason.
Tahini is incredibly versatile! While it’s most commonly used in savory dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and salad dressings, it’s also amazing in sweet recipes like cookies, brownies, energy balls, and yes—coffee! It pairs well with flavors like chocolate, honey, maple, lemon, cinnamon, and dates.
Not at all! Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and is packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, calcium, and antioxidants. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Just like any rich ingredient, moderation is key.
good coffee but 1 star for the title alone. does everything have to be virulent for you to get a click?
Oh wow, tahini with coffee? Never in my life did I think I’d try something like this, but when I got your newsletter, I thought, why not give it a shot? And guess what? I loved it! It’s creamy and tastes great. For me, 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup was just enough. Thank you for this recipe!