Taco Bell Salt & Straw Tacolate Chiller Copycat Recipe (Salt & Straw Collab)
You can blend rich chocolate ice cream with a pinch of cumin, smoked paprika, and a splash of cold brew for a frozen drink that tastes like dessert met a taco seasoning packet. Creamy, smoky-sweet, and weirdly addictive — the spice lingers just enough. Serve it thick with a wide straw.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Chocolate ice cream 3 cups
- Cold brew coffee 1 cup
- Whole milk 1 cup
- Sweetened whipped cream 1 cup
- Ice 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
- Ground cumin 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika 3 4 tsp
- MSG (optional) 1 4 tsp
- Kosher salt 1 8 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
45 g
50%
Protein
6 g
7%
Fat
17 g
43%
Cooking steps
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1
1. Chill your blender pitcher in the freezer for at least 15 minutes — this prevents early melting and keeps the chiller thick like Taco Bell's frozen drinks.
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2
2. Add chocolate ice cream, cold brew coffee, whole milk, and ice to the chilled pitcher. Pulse briefly to break up the ice and blend until just integrated.
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3
3. Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and MSG. Copycat tip: Don't skip the MSG, it delivers Taco Bell's signature umami background in their unique collabs. Blend on high until smooth with a creamy, thick consistency.
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4
4. Taste and check texture: You want the drink nearly spoon-able but able to sip through a wide straw. If too thin, add extra ice; if too frozen, blend a splash more milk. Adjust spice if needed — the taco seasoning should linger without overwhelming.
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5
5. Pour the Tacolate Chiller into chilled glasses and top each with a swirl of sweetened whipped cream. For maximum copycat effect, dust lightly with smoked paprika or crushed Doritos chips (optional), mimicking Taco Bell’s playful garnish style. Serve immediately.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this actually taste like the Taco Bell Salt & Straw Tacolate Chiller?
Yes! The blend of chocolate ice cream and coffee gives creamy richness, while cumin, smoked paprika, and MSG deliver the taco-inspired kick you expect from Taco Bell’s bold limited-edition drinks. The texture and spice linger just like the original.
Q. How do I keep my Tacolate Chiller thick and frosty like Taco Bell’s version?
Chill your blender and glasses before starting, use plenty of ice, and blend only until creamy. Don’t over-blend, or it’ll become too thin. Follow step 1 and step 4 for texture control — thick, but straw-sippable!
Q. Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have cold brew or chocolate ice cream?
For cold brew, strong chilled coffee works fine. Chocolate ice cream is key for flavor and texture; avoid swapping for plain ice cream, or the Tacolate Chiller loses its character. Dairy-free ice cream can work, but use full-fat coconut milk for richness.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in a serving?
Each 225g chiller serving has about 360 kcal, with approximately 45g carbs, 6g protein, and 17g fat. This is comparable to Taco Bell’s indulgent dessert drinks, so enjoy it as a treat!
Q. Can I make this ahead or store leftovers?
Best served fresh! If you must prep ahead, freeze batch-blended chiller in airtight containers. Re-blend briefly before serving to restore texture. Leftovers keep in the freezer for up to 2 days; avoid fridge storage or melting will ruin the consistency.
