30 Days of Christmas Coffees – Day 28
Grab a Straw and a Spoon – It’s Almond Joy Delight Coffee Shake Time
Who says a Christmas Coffee has to be hot? This is a hot recipe for a cold shake, and you’ll love it!
The Almond Joy Delight Coffee Shake is our Day 28 feature in our 30 Days of Christmas Coffees series. It’s inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar. We’ve taken the essence of this beloved treat and transformed it into a luscious milkshake that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and almond with the bold kick of coffee. It’s the perfect indulgence for those who love the sweet, nutty, and chocolatey combination of an Almond Joy.
If you’re using store-bought cold brew, you’re 10 minutes from icy caffeinated goodness. However, if you plan to make your own cold brew, make it the day before. Or, better yet, make a big batch so you always have it on hand.
30 Days of Christmas Coffee Recipes
The Flavors of the Christmas Coffee Shake
This coffee shake is a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The chocolate ice cream provides a creamy and indulgent base, while the brewed coffee adds a robust kick, creating a harmonious balance. The almond milk and almond extract infuse the shake with a delightful nuttiness, reminiscent of the almonds found in the candy bar.
Crunchy and Creamy Texture
To enhance the experience, we’ve added toasted shredded coconut for a subtle crunch that complements the smooth creaminess of the shake. The toasted coconut not only adds texture but also brings out the tropical notes, transporting you to a winter paradise.
Topped to Perfection
No holiday treat is complete without a generous topping of whipped cream. The airy sweetness of the whipped cream ties everything together, creating a blissful combination that will leave you craving more. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sliced almonds and an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup for a truly decadent presentation.
Why the Almond Joy Delight is Perfect for a Party
1. Festive Flavors: The combination of chocolate, almond, and coffee creates a festive flavor profile that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
2. Comfort in a Glass: As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a comforting and indulgent drink. The Almond Joy Delight Coffee Shake is like a warm hug in a glass even though it’s ice cold!
3. Impress Your Guests: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this shake is sure to impress your guests with its unique and delectable taste. You could even set up a toppings bar and let your guests have fun creating masterpieces.
4. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this shake is accessible to everyone, even if you’re not a master in the kitchen.
Why is Cold Brew a Better Alternative to Iced Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is often considered a better alternative to traditional iced coffee for several reasons:
1. Smooth Flavor Profile: Cold brew is known for its smooth, mellow, and less acidic taste compared to regular iced coffee.
2. Lower Acidity: The cold brewing process results in a coffee concentrate that tends to be less acidic than hot-brewed coffee and gentler on the stomach.
3. Customizable Strength: You can dilute the concentrated cold brew with water, milk, or a milk alternative to achieve your preferred coffee-to-water ratio, tailoring it to your taste preferences.
4. Extended Shelf Life: You can store cold brew in the refrigerator for an extended period without losing its freshness or flavor. This makes it convenient because you can prepare it well in advance.
5. Reduced Dilution: Traditional iced coffee is often brewed hot and then cooled down with ice, leading to dilution as the ice melts. Cold brew is pre-chilled during its long steeping process, minimizing dilution, and allowing for a more robust coffee flavor.
Almond Joy Delight Coffee Shake
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Materials
- 2 cups chocolate ice cream
- 1 cup cold brew (or alternative brew) cooled
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 Tbsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut – toasted
- whipped cream
- optional sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Use prepared cold brew or brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool (put the cup in the freezer for a few minutes to hurry the process)
- Toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown (it will happen quickly!)
- Grab a blender and add the chocolate ice cream, coffee, almond milk, chocolate syrup, almond extract, and half of the coconut
- Blend the mixture until it's smooth and creamy (there will be tiny bits of coconut that remain
- Pour the shake into a tall glass
- Top with whipped cream, remaining coconut, and (optional) almonds
Christmas Coffees for Everyone!
As we approach the final days of our 30 Days of Christmas Coffee series, the Almond Joy Delight Coffee Shake is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their holiday beverage repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this festive fusion of flavors โ it’s the perfect way to indulge in the joy of the season.
Stay tuned for our final two coffee creations as we wrap up this delightful journey of holiday brews! Cheers to the season of coffee and joy! ๐โ๐
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