The secret to the ultimate coffee milkshake is a combination of top-quality ice cream, instant coffee, and plenty of whipped cream on top.
At least, that’s how I make it! And it’s insanely rich and flavorful.
Better yet, it’s ready in just five minutes, making it the ideal afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Milkshake
Endlessly Customizable: The base recipe can be easily adapted to your tastes – add more or less coffee, swap vanilla for caramel ice cream, or blend in mix-ins like cookies, caramel, or Nutella.
Impressive Presentation: With its rich, dark hue and optional garnish, this coffee milkshake is an Instagram-worthy moment.
Energizing Pick-Me-Up: The blend of caffeine and sugar provides a delicious jolt of energy, perfect for an afternoon slump or post-dinner perk-up.
Ingredients
- Ice Cream: Feel free to use coffee cream for maximum flavor. But I usually use vanilla or chocolate, then add the coffee to taste.
- Milk: To thin out the ice cream so it’s slurpable.
- Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder*: The key to an intense coffee kick. Start with a little, and then add more to taste.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): A billowy cloud of sweetness crowning your creation. Go ahead, you deserve it.
- Chocolate Sauce (Optional): Artfully drizzled to take this treat to the next level of deliciousness.
*Ground coffee will not work in this recipe as it won’t dissolve. Be sure to get instant coffee or espresso powder so the shakes are smooth.
How to Make Coffee Milkshake
Make a coffee milkshake is as easy as blitz and serve! But you need to add the ingredients to the blender in the right order for the best results.
Here are the steps:
1. DISSOLVE the coffee granules in the milk (in the blender) for a few minutes.
2. PULSE the ice cream in the milk to break it up, then blend until smooth.
3. ADJUST the taste and texture as needed. That might mean adding more coffee or milk.
4. SERVE right away with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Tips For the Best Coffee Milkshake
Even with a recipe as easy as this one, I have a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Soften the ice cream. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to make blending easier – especially if using a lower-powered blender.
- Adjust the consistency. Start with 1/3 cup of milk and gradually add more until your desired milkshake thickness.
- Use good quality ice cream. Cheaper brands can be icy and less smooth. So go for something rich and creamy.
- Ice cream flavor. Vanilla ice cream will let the coffee flavor shine, while chocolate will give you a mocha finish. You can also try caramel ice cream for a latte-style taste.
- Chill the glasses. To keep the shakes colder longer, pop the glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before pouring.
- Blend well. Blend for at least 30-60 seconds to fully incorporate the ingredients and achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Lower-power machines may need longer.
- Get creative. Add a ripe banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a shot of rum, Kahlua, or Baileys for a boozy treat. You can also try protein powder or dairy-free milk and ice cream for a vegan version.
- Toppings galore. Boost the flavor with coffee whipped cream, drizzle over caramel sauce, or go all out with a dollop of marshmallow creme!
More Milkshakes You’ll Love
Banana Milkshake
Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake
Oreo Milkshake
Mango Milkshake
Coffee Milkshake
2
servings5
minutes257
kcalThis insanely good coffee milkshake is wonderfully rich and flavorful. Plus, it’s ready in just five minutes, so it’s the ideal afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
1-2 tablespoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder
4 large scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream (about 1 1/2 cups)
whipped cream and chocolate sauce, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Add the milk and coffee granules to a blender. Leave for a few minutes, then add the ice cream.
- Pulse a few times to break up the ice cream. Then blend until smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds. If the milkshake is too thick, add more milk and blend again until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust the amount of coffee as needed.
- Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Start with 1 tablespoon of coffee granules or espresso powder, taste, and add more as needed.
- Use 1-2 shots of cold brew concentrate or cooled espresso instead of granules. Reduce the amount of milk so it’s not too watery.