If you love coffee, you have to try this decadent Coffee Milkshake recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a creamy, indulgent treat ready in no time. This creamy shake is perfect for enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet way to treat yourself after dinner!

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I adore the flavor of this coffee shake. Using coffee ice cream with a pinch of instant coffee is the key to the best flavor! I add some milk to ensure it reaches the consistency I like and then add a variety of toppings!
If you like easy milkshake recipes, you will love this Salted Caramel Milkshake and Gingerbread Milkshake.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s a great drink or dessert: You can serve this coffee-flavored milkshake as a sweet drink with a meal or enjoy it for dessert after dinner.
- It’s easy to customize: This recipe can be switched up to fit your preferences! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- It’s only 4 ingredients: Besides the toppings, you only need 4 ingredients to make a tasty milkshake.
Ingredients
Below are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make a successful and delicious milkshake with coffee. I don’t use anything unique or hard to find, so everything should be available at your local grocery store.

- Coffee ice cream: You can use any brand and variety of coffee ice cream that you like best. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, you can try that as well.
- Milk: I add a small amount of milk to ensure the milkshake blends to the perfect consistency.
- Chocolate syrup: Drizzled on the glass for a decorative look and chocolate flavor.
- Instant coffee: It’s optional. but I find it helps to boost the coffee flavor.
- Toppings: You can add whatever you’d like on top of your shake, such as whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate or caramel syrup, and so much more.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Espresso milkshake: Add a shot of your favorite espresso in place of the instant coffee for a more intense coffee flavor. You may or may not need the milk, as the espresso will help thin the ice cream out a bit too.
- Mocha milkshake: Make this milkshake with half chocolate ice cream and half coffee ice cream for a mocha-inspired twist.
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite dairy-free coffee ice cream and dairy-free milk!
How to Make a Coffee Milkshake
Here are the instructions on how to make this amazing ice cream coffee drink. Grab your blender and ingredients, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Add to blender. Add the ice cream and milk to the blender. If you’re using the instant coffee, you will add it now.

Step 2: Blend. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency you prefer.

Step 3: Prepare the glass. Drizzle a good amount of chocolate syrup (or caramel if you prefer) into the glass. I like to line it well for plenty of flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and serve. Pour the shake into the prepared glass. Then, top it with your favorite toppings like fluffy whipped cream, more instant coffee, and crunchy candies. Sip and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix it: Overmixing the shake can add too much air, which will make the texture more foamy and less rich and creamy.
- Soften the ice cream: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, so it’s easier to blend.
- Start blending at low speed: Start at low speed to break up the ice cream, and then increase the blender to medium speed to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
If you love recipes like this coffee drink, you may also enjoy this Dalgona Cloud Coffee.

Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a cold coffee milkshake with a juicy burger like a grilled cheese hamburger or a spicy blackened chicken sandwich.
- Hot dogs pair wonderfully with a milkshake, too. Try air fryer pretzel dogs for a delicious twist.
- Complete your dessert and have a cookie with your coffee and ice cream shake. Some of my favorites are tiramisu cookies and toffee shortbread cookies.
Recipe FAQs
This could be because the ice cream was left out too long or there was too much extra liquid. I like to start with a small amount of milk and gradually increase it if needed until I reach the consistency I like.
If the ice cream is too cold, it may make the shake hard to blend. Add a little more coffee and increase the blender speed to see if that helps!
You can, but I find it’s not as evenly blended this way. It works in a pinch if you don’t have access to a standard blender or food processor.

More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

Coffee Milkshake
Ingredients
- 4 cups coffee ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- Chocolate syrup for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping
- Optional: Pinch of instant coffee to intensify flavor and for garnish
Instructions
- Add the coffee ice cream, milk, and a pinch of instant coffee (if using) to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass.
- Pour the milkshake into prepared glasses.
- Top each glass with whipped cream and sprinkle additional instant coffee for garnish.
- Serve immediately with a straw or spoon, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make this coffee milkshake when you’re ready to serve for best results. It does not store well in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Allow the ice cream to sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften to make it easier to scoop and blend.
- Try this recipe with your favorite homemade coffee ice cream. You can even use a different flavor like chocolate to enhance the other ingredients.
Tabitha says
A pleasant refreshing surprise. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. I try my best. Take care. Karin