How to Make Milk Coffee and Other Instant Coffee Drinks

If you’ve ever stared at a jar of instant coffee and wondered what to do with it beyond stirring it into hot water, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down five classic ways to turn basic Maxwell instant coffee into satisfying drinks—some iced, some creamy, and one even with ice cream.

Maxwell instant coffee is used in all these recipes, typically starting with 1/4 cup per batch. Depending on the drink, you’ll mix it with milk, sugar, ice, or even soda and ice cream. Each recipe makes multiple servings, perfect for sharing—or not.

Milk Coffee (Hot Coffee with Milk)

This is your simple go-to: strong coffee with hot milk. Use a heaping spoonful of Maxwell instant coffee and stir it into more than half a cup of hot milk. Pour the coffee into your mug first, then gradually add the milk while stirring until smooth. Add sugar to taste if desired. Best enjoyed hot.

Iced and Soda-Based Coffee Drinks

Ice Cream Coffee

A dessert-like favorite, especially among women. Combine 1/4 cup Maxwell instant coffee, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1/4 cup sugar in a cup or blender until dissolved. Then mix in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream. This recipe yields four servings—great for a small group.

Maxwell Iced Coffee

Cool and refreshing: mix 1/4 cup Maxwell instant coffee, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup hot water until dissolved, then add 4 cups of milk and 4 cups of crushed ice. Stir well until fully chilled. Makes four servings.

Iced Mocha Variation

Want mocha flavor? Just stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate syrup to the Iced Coffee base.

Coke Coffee

An unusual but tasty combination: dissolve 2 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee and 1 tablespoon of caramel (or substitute with other square sugar) in 2 cups of cool (not raw) water. Slowly add a can of Coca-Cola and stir. Pour into a tall glass and top with a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream. Makes 3–4 servings. Don’t eat the ice cream before pouring!

Coffee with Alcohol: Punch-Style Drink

Punch Coffee (with Sherry or Red Wine)

A unique adult take: mix 6 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee with a splash of sherry (or other red wine), a small amount of sugar (about 'a little'), and 3/4 cup of sugar total. Start by blending the wine and coffee for 30 seconds until combined. Add the majority of the sugar (3 cups' worth) and 3 cups of cold milk, stir well. Pour into a bowl, then add the remaining 1 cup of milk (the recipe splits the milk in two parts for texture or style). Optional: serve with dessert squares. Uses 4 cups of cold milk total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any brand of instant coffee for these recipes?

This guide specifically uses Maxwell instant coffee with measured amounts like 1/4 cup per recipe. While you could substitute another brand, the ratios and flavors may vary, so adjustments might be needed.

Why is the milk added gradually in the milk coffee recipe?

Adding hot milk gradually while stirring helps integrate the coffee smoothly and evenly, avoiding clumps and ensuring a balanced flavor and texture.

What’s the simplest recipe here?

The Milk Coffee recipe is the most straightforward: just combine a spoonful of Maxwell instant coffee with more than half a cup of hot milk, stir, and optionally add sugar.

Can I make the Ice Cream Coffee without a blender?

Yes, you can stir the ingredients together manually, though using a blender creates a smoother, creamier texture. The recipe is designed to make four servings whether blended or stirred.

Is the Coke Coffee recipe kid-friendly?

No, due to the inclusion of Coca-Cola and optional ice cream with added flavors. It’s a novelty adult or teen drink.

What’s the alcohol content in the Punch Coffee?

It contains a small amount of sherry or red wine, but the drink is primarily coffee and milk-based. The alcohol content is low but present.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Instant Drink Lovers

If you enjoy experimenting with instant coffee drinks, try pairing them with FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a deeper flavor reference. While these recipes use Maxwell, our Classic Blend offers balanced notes of caramel and mild acidity—great for comparing taste profiles. For something sweeter, our Autumn Chestnut Blend brings notes of roasted chestnut and milk chocolate, which complement iced or milk-based coffee drinks. All FrontStreet beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.