Brew and chill the coffee. If you don’t have cold brew, brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool completely.
Cold liquid prevents melting the banana too fast and keeps the smoothie thick.
Prep your banana. Peel, slice, and freeze bananas in advance. A frozen banana gives a creamy texture without ice crystals.
Add base ingredients to the blender. Pour in the cold brew, milk, frozen banana, cocoa powder, and a small pinch of salt.
Boost the creaminess. Add nut butter or Greek yogurt. These make the smoothie richer and more satisfying.
Sweeten to taste. Add maple syrup or honey, starting with 1 teaspoon.
You can always add more after blending.
Blend until smooth. Start on low, then move to high for 30–45 seconds. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; too thin, toss in a few ice cubes.
Taste and adjust. Need more chocolate? Add another teaspoon of cocoa.
Want more coffee flavor? Add a bit more cold brew and blend again.
Serve immediately. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy. For a café vibe, dust with cocoa or cinnamon on top.