5 Classic Ways to Mix Coffee at Home

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a basic cup of instant coffee into something more interesting—without needing an espresso machine—this guide is for you. These five coffee drinks use instant coffee (specifically Maxwell House, as per the original examples) and common pantry items to create classic mixed coffee beverages, from iced options to sweet treats.

There are five coffee drinks covered here: milk coffee, ice cream coffee, iced Maxwell coffee, cola coffee, and Bingqi coffee. Each uses a set ratio of instant coffee, sugar, milk or water, and in some cases ice cream or soda. The recipes make between 3 to 4 servings each.

1. Milk Coffee: Simple & Warm

This is a basic and quick mixed coffee using hot milk. It’s ideal when you want something creamy and comforting without much effort.

• 1 heaping spoonful of Maxwell House instant coffee
• Mostly full cup of hot milk

Directions: Pour the coffee into your cup, then gradually add the hot milk while stirring until fully combined. Add sugar to taste if desired. Best enjoyed immediately while hot.

2. Ice Cream Coffee: A Sweet Treat

A dessert-like coffee especially popular with those who have a sweet tooth. It combines coffee, ice cream, and milk for a rich, cooling drink.

• 1/4 cup Maxwell House instant coffee
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Directions: Stir the coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl or blender until dissolved. Then mix in the milk and ice cream. This makes enough for 4 servings—great for sharing (or not).

3. Iced Maxwell Coffee: Refreshingly Cold

A chilled coffee drink that’s perfect for warm days. Uses crushed ice and cold milk for a refreshing pick-me-up.

• 1/4 cup Maxwell House instant coffee
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 4 cups milk
• 4 cups crushed ice

Directions: Dissolve the coffee, sugar, and hot water in a container. Once dissolved, add crushed ice and milk, then stir well until cool. Serves 4 people.

Variation: To make it a Mocha Iced Coffee, simply stir in an additional 1/4 cup of chocolate syrup.

4. Cola Coffee: Unexpected & Bold

A surprising mix of coffee and cola, with optional ice cream for extra indulgence. It’s a unique flavor combo that works better than it sounds.

• 2 tablespoons Maxwell House instant coffee
• 2 cups cool (not raw) water
• 1 tablespoon caramel (or substitute with other square sugar)
• 1 can of Coca-Cola
• Optional: a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream

Directions: Stir the coffee into the water, then add caramel and mix. Slowly pour in the Coca-Cola while stirring. Pour into a tall glass and top with a scoop of ice cream if using. Makes 3–4 servings. (Don’t eat the ice cream before pouring the drink!)

5. Bingqi Coffee: Wine & Coffee Fusion

A more unusual recipe that blends coffee with a splash of sherry (or red wine) and plenty of sugar and milk. It’s a nostalgic or adult-oriented take on flavored coffee.

• 6 tablespoons Maxwell House instant coffee
• A small amount of sherry (other red wines work too)
• A little sugar (amount specified as “quite a lot”)
• 4 cups cool milk (added in two parts: 3 cups, then 1 cup)

Directions: Stir the wine and coffee for 30 seconds until blended. Add the bulk of the sugar and 3 cups of milk, mixing until combined. Pour the mixture into a bowl, then stir in the remaining 1 cup of milk. Optional: serve with desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simplest coffee mix to make at home?

The simplest is milk coffee: just add a spoonful of instant coffee to mostly full cup of hot milk, stir, and add sugar if you like. It’s ready in under a minute.

Can I use any instant coffee for these recipes?

The recipes given originally use Maxwell House instant coffee. While you can substitute another brand, ratios may need slight adjustments depending on the coffee’s strength and solubility.

How many servings does each coffee recipe make?

Milk coffee makes 1 serving. Ice cream coffee, iced Maxwell coffee, cola coffee, and Bingqi coffee each make 3–4 servings.

Is there a coffee and soda combination that works?

Yes—cola coffee combines instant coffee with Coca-Cola, caramel, and optional ice cream for a bold and sweet drink. It makes 3–4 servings.

What’s the role of wine in Bingqi coffee?

Bingqi coffee uses a small amount of sherry or red wine mixed with coffee, sugar, and milk. It creates a distinctive adult flavor profile, with the wine adding complexity.

Can I make these drinks without dairy or sugar?

These recipes are written with milk and sugar as key ingredients. Substituting plant-based milks or skipping sugar is possible, but the flavor and texture will differ from the originals.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Blended Drinks

For recreating or elevating these mixed coffee drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral notes, or their Guatemala Antigua for a balanced medium roast with chocolate and caramel undertones. Both work well as brewed coffee bases if you want to move beyond instant—just brew them strong. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.