How to Make Classic Ice Cream Coffee and Other Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a simple instant coffee into something rich, refreshing, or even dessert-like—without needing an espresso machine—this guide is for you. We break down five easy-to-make milk coffee recipes using Maxwell instant coffee, with exact ingredient amounts and mixing steps so your results are consistent every time.

Quick answer: To make classic ice cream coffee—the most popular recipe here—mix ¼ cup Maxwell instant coffee, ¼ cup hot water, ¼ cup sugar, 3 cups milk, and 1 cup vanilla ice cream. Blend until smooth for a sweet, creamy treat that serves four.

What Is Milk Coffee and Why Mix It With Ice Cream?

Milk coffee doesn’t have to mean just espresso and steamed milk. Using instant coffee, milk, and simple additions like sugar or ice cream, you can create a range of classic-style coffee beverages. These drinks balance caffeine with sweetness and texture, often enjoyed as comfort drinks or casual desserts. Ice cream coffee, in particular, is a chilled, dessert-like coffee treat that many find irresistible.

How to Make Basic Milk Coffee

The simplest version starts with just instant coffee and hot milk. Here’s how:

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

Pour the coffee into your cup, then gradually add the hot milk while stirring until fully mixed. Add sugar to taste if desired. Drink it while hot for the best experience.

Recipe: Ice Cream Coffee (Girls’ Favorite)

This chilled coffee drink combines instant coffee, milk, sugar, and vanilla ice cream into a sweet, creamy blend. It makes four servings—perfect for sharing (or not).

• ¼ cup Maxwell instant coffee
• ¼ cup hot water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Steps:

1. Dissolve the coffee, sugar, and water in a cup (use a blender for smoother texture).
2. Add the milk and ice cream, then blend or stir until fully combined.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Cold Variations: Maxwell Iced Coffee and Cola Coffee

For cooler options, try these two iced coffee recipes using the same instant coffee base.

Maxwell Iced Coffee

• ¼ cup Maxwell instant coffee
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup hot water
• 4 cups milk
• 4 cups crushed ice

Steps:

1. Dissolve coffee and sugar in hot water.
2. Add crushed ice and milk, then stir until well-chilled and mixed.

Makes four servings.

Cola Coffee

• 2 spoons Maxwell instant coffee
• 2 cups cool (not raw) water
• 1 spoon caramel (or substitute with other square sugar)
• 1 can Coca-Cola
• Optional: vanilla or coffee ice cream

Steps:

1. Brew the coffee in water, stir in caramel, then gradually add Coca-Cola.
2. Pour into a tall glass, top with a spoon of ice cream (try not to eat it beforehand).

Makes 3–4 servings.

A Unique Twist: Punch-Style Coffee with Wine and Sugar

For an adult-oriented, punch-like coffee drink, try this unconventional mix using sherry or red wine.

• 6 spoons Maxwell instant coffee
• A little sherry wine (other red wines are fine)
• A generous amount of sugar (mostly full cup)
• 4 cups cool milk (used in two parts)

Steps:

1. Stir wine and coffee for 30 seconds until blended.
2. Add sugar and 3 cups of milk, mix well.
3. Pour mixture into a bowl, then add the remaining cup of milk (yes, the milk is added in two portions for effect).
4. Optional: Add sweets or pastries on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any instant coffee instead of Maxwell?

This guide specifically uses Maxwell instant coffee with measured scoops and ratios. While you could substitute another brand, the quantities and results may vary since dissolving rates, flavors, and sweetness differ by brand. For best results, follow the recipe as written with Maxwell coffee.

Why is the milk added in two parts for the punch coffee?

The recipe directs you to add 3 cups of milk first, mix, then add the last cup. This two-part addition is likely to control the mixing texture and intensity—possibly to create a layered or smoother effect. It’s a unique method suggested in the original recipe.

Is the cola coffee recipe alcoholic?

No, the cola coffee recipe includes Coca-Cola and optional ice cream, but no actual alcohol. It’s a sweet, soda-based coffee drink. The wine-based punch coffee is the only one that includes alcohol (sherry or red wine).

Can I make the ice cream coffee ahead of time?

The ice cream coffee is best served fresh and cold immediately after blending. If left sitting too long, the ice cream may melt and the texture will change. For best results, prepare it right before serving.

What if I don’t have a blender for the ice cream coffee?

You can stir the ingredients vigorously by hand, though the texture may be less smooth. Using a blender helps fully combine the ice cream and achieve a creamier, frothier result.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, juicy profile that works surprisingly well in milk—especially when you want more fruitiness in your iced or sweetened coffee. Their Brazil Queen Manor offers a chocolatey, nutty base that complements both classic milk coffee and ice cream coffee. For deeper sweetness, FrontStreet’s Classic Blend delivers a balanced, medium-bodied cup that blends smoothly with milk and ice cream alike. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.