Five Classic Espresso-Based Drink Recipes

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a proper milk coffee, ice cream coffee, or even a cola-based coffee drink at home, you’re not alone. These five classic recipes — some nostalgic, others surprisingly refreshing — show you how to mix espresso-style drinks using simple ingredients like instant coffee, milk, sugar, and even ice cream or cola. No fancy machine required.

There are five drinks here: milk coffee, ice cream coffee, iced coffee, cola coffee, and a sherry-flavored coffee — each with exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions so you can recreate them just like the original.

1. Milk Coffee (Simple & Quick)

This is your basic coffee-with-milk drink, made with a full spoon of Maxwell instant coffee and mostly hot milk. It’s quick, easy, and perfect when you want something warm and comforting.

To make it, pour one heaping spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of Maxwell instant coffee into a cup, then add more than half a cup of hot milk. Stir until the coffee dissolves fully. Add sugar to taste if desired. Best served immediately while hot.

2. Ice Cream Coffee (A Sweet Treat)

This is a decadent, dessert-like coffee drink that’s especially popular with those who have a sweet tooth. It blends coffee, ice cream, milk, and sugar for a rich, chilly treat.

Mix 1/4 cup Maxwell instant coffee, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl or blender until dissolved. Then add 1 cup vanilla ice cream and 3 cups of milk. Stir or blend until smooth. This recipe makes about 4 servings. Great for sharing — or not!

3. Iced Coffee (Maxwell Style)

A chilled, refreshing coffee drink made with instant coffee, milk, sugar, and plenty of ice. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for hot days.

Combine 1/4 cup Maxwell instant coffee, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup hot water in a container. Stir until the coffee and sugar dissolve. Then add 4 cups of milk and 4 cups of crushed ice. Stir well until cool and fully mixed. Makes 4 servings. For a mocha version, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate syrup.

4. Cola Coffee (Unusual but Tasty)

This surprising mix of coffee, cola, and ice cream creates a unique coffee cocktail with a sweet and fizzy profile. It’s a fun drink for those who like experimenting.

Dissolve 2 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee and 1 tablespoon of caramel (or regular sugar) in 2 cups of cool (not raw) water. Add a can of Coca-Cola gradually while stirring. Pour into a tall glass and top with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Makes 3–4 servings. Don’t eat the ice cream before pouring!

5. Sherry Coffee (With a Splash of Wine)

This drink mixes instant coffee with a bit of sherry (or red wine), sugar, and milk for an aromatic, slightly boozy coffee experience. It’s served chilled and often paired with desserts.

In a bowl, mix 6 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee with a small amount of sherry (or other red wine) and stir for 30 seconds until combined. Add most of the sugar (mostly) and 3 cups of milk, then mix well. Pour into a bowl, then add the remaining cup of milk (the recipe splits the milk in two parts for texture). Add a few sweet treats on the side if you like. Served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is milk coffee and how do you make it with instant coffee?

Milk coffee is a simple drink made with one heaping spoon (around 1 tablespoon) of Maxwell instant coffee and more than half a cup of hot milk. Stir until dissolved; add sugar to taste. Serve hot immediately.

How do you make ice cream coffee at home?

Combine 1/4 cup Maxwell instant coffee, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1/4 cup sugar until dissolved. Add 1 cup vanilla ice cream and 3 cups of milk, then stir or blend until smooth. This makes four servings and is often served as a sweet, cold coffee dessert.

What’s the easiest way to make iced coffee with instant coffee?

Stir 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. Mix thoroughly until cold and refreshing. Optional: add 1/4 cup chocolate syrup for a mocha version.

Can you mix coffee with cola?

Yes. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee and 1 tablespoon of caramel or sugar in 2 cups of cool water. Gradually add a can of Coca-Cola, stir well, and serve in a tall glass with a scoop of ice cream on top. Makes 3–4 servings.

What is sherry coffee and how is it prepared?

Sherry coffee is made by mixing 6 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee with a small amount of sherry (or red wine) for 30 seconds. Add 3 cups of milk and sugar, then pour in the rest of the milk later for texture. Optional: serve with desserts.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Drinks

For making milk-based or iced espresso-style drinks at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend — it’s designed for espresso and produces rich crema, making it ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. The Black Cocoa Blend offers bold, chocolatey notes that pair well with milk or even ice cream coffee. Both are expertly roasted for smooth extraction whether you’re using an espresso machine or alternative brew methods. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.