How to Make Milk Coffee: 5 Classic Recipes with Steps

Ever found yourself staring at a jar of instant coffee and a carton of milk, wondering how to turn it into something actually enjoyable? Whether you're after a quick milk coffee fix or want to recreate nostalgic café-style drinks at home, knowing the right steps—and ratios—makes all the difference. These five methods show you exactly how, using common ingredients like instant coffee, milk, sugar, and even ice cream or cola.

To make a basic milk coffee, use one heaping spoon of instant coffee (like Maxwell House) with more than half a cup of hot milk. That’s your starting point. Below, we break down five specific recipes with exact measurements and steps—from stirring in milk to blending with ice cream or cola.

1. Basic Milk Coffee

The simplest way to enjoy coffee with milk: one heaping spoon (about 1 tablespoon) of Maxwell House instant coffee and more than half a cup of hot milk. Pour the coffee into your cup first, then gradually add the milk while stirring until fully mixed. Add sugar to taste if desired. Best served immediately while hot.

2. Ice Cream Coffee

A dessert-like favorite, especially for those with a sweet tooth. This recipe makes four servings. Use: ¼ cup Maxwell House instant coffee, ¼ cup hot water, ¼ cup sugar, 3 cups milk, and 1 cup vanilla ice cream. Stir the coffee, sugar, and water together (a blender helps) until dissolved, then mix in the milk and ice cream until smooth.

3. Iced Maxwell House Coffee

Cool down with this iced version. Makes four servings with: ¼ cup Maxwell House instant coffee, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup hot water, 4 cups milk, and 4 cups crushed ice. First dissolve the coffee, sugar, and water completely. Then add crushed ice and milk, stirring until well-chilled and fully blended.

Optional upgrade: Turn this into an iced mocha by adding ¼ cup chocolate syrup and stirring it in before serving.

4. Cola Coffee

A surprising combination: 2 tablespoons Maxwell House instant coffee, 2 cups cool (not raw) water, 1 tablespoon caramel (or substitute with other square sugar), one can of Coca-Cola, and optional scoops of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream. Dissolve the coffee and caramel in the water, stir, then slowly add the cola while mixing. Pour into a tall glass and top with an ice cream scoop—don’t eat it before pouring!

Makes 3–4 servings.

5. Sherry-Spiked Coffee

A unique blend using 6 tablespoons Maxwell House instant coffee, a splash of sherry wine (or other red wine), a small amount of sugar (about ¾ cup), and 4 cups cool milk. First, blend the wine and coffee for 30 seconds until combined. Add sugar and 3 cups of milk, stir until smooth. Pour the mixture into a bowl, then add the remaining cup of milk (yes, the milk is added in two parts for texture). Optionally serve with desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the standard coffee-to-milk ratio in basic milk coffee?

The basic recipe uses one heaping spoon (approx. 1 tablespoon) of Maxwell House instant coffee with more than half a cup of hot milk. No exact milk volume is given, but “more than half a cup” implies a higher milk ratio for a lighter drink.

How do you make iced coffee with milk using Maxwell House instant?

Combine ¼ cup instant coffee, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup hot water, stir until dissolved, then add 4 cups each of crushed ice and milk. Mix thoroughly until well chilled and blended.

Can you turn iced coffee into an iced mocha?

Yes. Add ¼ cup chocolate syrup to the iced coffee mixture and stir before serving to make an iced mocha.

What’s in cola coffee and how is it served?

It includes 2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 cups cool water, 1 tablespoon caramel (or sugar), one can of Coca-Cola, and optional ice cream. Dissolve coffee and caramel, add cola, stir, pour into a tall glass, and top with ice cream.

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

The recipe specifies adding 3 cups of milk first, mixing, then adding the remaining 1 cup afterward. This two-part addition may create a specific texture or mixing effect for better integration of flavors.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Drinks

For creamy, balanced milk coffee drinks, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend—an affordable, well-rounded espresso blend with notes of black chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel. For a smoother, milk-friendly profile, the Brazil Queen Manor SOE offers sweet milk chocolate, roasted nuts, and buttery tones with a medium body. If you prefer a bolder single origin, the PWN Golden Mandheling brings cinnamon, caramel, and dark chocolate notes that pair beautifully with steamed milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.