Coffee Milkshake

The Coffee Milkshake is a delightful and energizing beverage perfect for coffee lovers. It blends strong brewed coffee or espresso with creamy vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk to create a smooth, thick texture. It's a perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet cream, making it an ideal dessert or afternoon pick-me-up. This versatile drink can be customized with additions like chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence.
Coffee Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is categorized as a non-alcoholic milkshake. It is a sweet, creamy, and blended drink typically served as a dessert or a refreshing treat.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic drink immediately after blending in a chilled milkshake glass for optimal temperature. It is a substantial, cold beverage perfect for sipping through a straw.
Serving size
Approx. 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The milkshake became a popular treat in the early 20th century with the invention of the electric blender. Adding coffee was a natural evolution, combining America's love for soda fountain drinks with its favorite morning beverage. This creation offered a new, refreshing, and indulgent way to enjoy the rich flavor of coffee, especially during warmer months.
Origin
United States, early 20th century. While a specific inventor is not credited, the Coffee Milkshake emerged from the American soda fountain and diner culture, which popularized milkshakes as a staple dessert.

Coffee Milkshake

The drink is commonly known as a Coffee Milkshake. It is sometimes referred to as a "Java Shake" due to its coffee content, or a "Mocha Milkshake" when chocolate syrup is added to the recipe.
Original name
Coffee Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Java Shake
  • Mocha Milkshake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake features a prominent coffee flavor and aroma, beautifully balanced by the sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Its texture is thick, smooth, and creamy, making it a satisfying and refreshing treat year-round.
Flavor
Coffee, Creamy, Sweet, Vanilla, Rich, Slightly bitter
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Sweet cream, Vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Creamy, Lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, Tan, Creamy, Opaque
Texture
Thick, Smooth, Creamy
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intensely creamy and sweet, with a pleasant, moderate bitterness from the coffee. It is a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage with no spicy, salty, or fruity notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need vanilla ice cream and chilled strong coffee as the base, with a splash of milk for consistency. Optional additions like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings can enhance the flavor and presentation.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops
    A good quality, creamy vanilla ice cream works best.
  • Chilled Strong Brewed Coffee60 ml / 2 oz
    Can be substituted with 1-2 shots of chilled espresso. Ensure it is completely cooled to avoid melting the ice cream too quickly.
  • Milk60 ml / 2 oz
    Whole milk will result in a creamier milkshake, but any type of milk can be used.
  • Chocolate Syrup1 tablespoon(optional)
    Add to create a Mocha Milkshake.
  • Whipped CreamFor topping(optional)
    For garnish.
  • Chocolate ShavingsFor topping(optional)
    Optional garnish, can also use cocoa powder.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment is a blender. A powerful blender will ensure the milkshake is perfectly smooth.
  • Blender for combining all ingredients into a smooth and creamy consistency.

Instructions

To prepare, simply combine ice cream, chilled coffee, and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
1. Chill your serving glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before preparation.
2. Place the vanilla ice cream, chilled strong coffee, and milk into the jar of a blender.
3. For a Mocha Milkshake, add one tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender.
4. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the blended milkshake into your pre-chilled glass.
6. If desired, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
7. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon.

Garnishing

Garnish with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for a classic, appealing look.
  • Whipped cream, swirled on top of the milkshake.
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, sprinkled over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy, but it is vegetarian and generally free from gluten, nuts, soy, and eggs. Always check the ice cream label for specific allergens, as ingredients can vary.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is an indulgent dessert drink, high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the ice cream. The nutritional content will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Calories
Averagely 450-550 kcal / 1880-2300 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 60-75 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 55-70 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a decadent dessert, a refreshing afternoon treat on a warm day, or even as a special brunch beverage. It's a great choice for anytime a sweet, caffeinated boost is desired.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon treat
  • Summer refreshment
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake pairs exceptionally well with rich chocolate desserts like brownies or a slice of cake. For a lighter contrast, serve it with crunchy biscotti perfect for dipping. It also complements savory items like a club sandwich for a classic diner lunch experience.
  • Chocolate brownies
  • Biscotti
  • Donuts or crullers
  • A classic club sandwich for a diner-style meal

The Ultimate Creamy Coffee Milkshake Experience

The Coffee Milkshake is a classic, indulgent treat that masterfully combines the robust flavor of coffee with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a blender for a perfect result in minutes. This non-alcoholic beverage is ideal as a satisfying dessert, a special brunch item, or an energizing afternoon pick-me-up. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for the ultimate soda fountain experience at home.