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Turn an iced coffee into the milkshake you crave on a hot afternoon. This cool, chocolate-filled treat hits you with just the right kick of coffee and is perfect to whip up when you want something sweet but energizing. Forget the café—pull this off at home in a few quick minutes.
I stumbled onto this accidentally after a wild day at work. Now I always keep coffee and ice cream handy for those moments when I want something chilly that perks me right up. It's become my go-to cooldown every summer.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Fudge sauce: Makes your glass look and taste fancier Use a thick sauce so those streaks don't slide off
- Milk or chilled coffee: Helps blend everything to the right texture Cold is a must for a frothy shake—try whole milk for rich, or strong coffee for bold taste
- Cocoa powder: Deepens every sip with chocolatey notes Use a good unsweetened one for real flavor
- Instant coffee or espresso powder: This is where your buzz comes in Use a brand you really like since the flavor pops
- Chocolate shavings: Topping with these makes every sip feel special Scrape them off a nice bar with a peeler or a microplane
- Whipped cream: Adds a big, fluffy top Homemade or canned—either style nails the job
- Vanilla ice cream: The reason your shake gets so creamy Look for simple, classic vanilla to avoid that icy feel
Simple How-To
- Serve Right Away:
- Drink your coffee shake as soon as you make it so it's ultra cold and thick
- Splash and Top:
- Pour your shake into the glass Pile on whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings Add more fudge if you love it
- Deck Out Your Glass:
- Line the glass inside with fudge so you get chocolate in every sip Let it drip for best effect
- Make It Smooth:
- Blend everything on the fastest setting Don't forget to scrape down any bits stuck on the sides
- Toss in Ice Cream and Liquid:
- Plop in scoops of ice cream Add your milk or cold coffee Swirl in just enough for your favorite thickness
- Add All Powders First:
- Put cocoa and instant coffee right in the blender base so they mix smooth from the start
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I love swirling fudge inside the glass Each time I make these with my kids, we try to outdo each other’s chocolate art before pouring in the shake—then watch the designs melt as we drink
Chill and Store
For the best flavor, drink your milkshake fresh If you prep ahead, blend it without the toppings and pop it in the freezer for up to an hour—stir or blend again before sipping, since it can turn icy if left longer
Swap Outs
Coffee or chocolate ice cream are awesome swaps for vanilla if you want a more intense twist. Use almond or oat milk if you’re going dairy-free—they'll taste extra good if your coffee is strong.
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Fresh Serving Ideas
Pour in tall, ice-cold glasses Top with a heap of whipped cream and criss-cross of chocolate sauce. Add a cherry or a pinch of cinnamon for a fun extra. Goes so well with cookies or biscotti on the side.
Fun Backstory
The shake brings those old-school diner vibes where drinks double up as dessert. Using instant or strong chilled coffee gives this version a playful, grown-up twist—and you don’t need to play barista to get the taste just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Absolutely! Cold brewed or leftover coffee works great for extra coffee flavor. Just use it instead of milk or water.
- → How do I make the milkshake thicker or thinner?
Just cut down on liquid for a chunky shake. Want it thinner? Pour in more milk or coffee to your liking. Start around 1/2 cup and add as you go.
- → Is it necessary to add cocoa powder?
Cocoa gives a big chocolatey hit but you can totally skip it if you want straight up coffee flavor.
- → What toppings work well?
Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a fudge swirl make it extra awesome and look good too.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely—grab some plant-based milk and ice cream like oat or almond. You'll never miss the dairy.
- → How do I intensify the coffee flavor?
Just add another scoop of instant coffee or espresso powder—up to a tablespoon—for a mega coffee kick.